HUNDREDS of new job opportunities in Okehampton are to be created with the securing of a major 26-acre industrial site on land at Exeter Road.

The long sought-after industrial area was obtained last Friday, when the South West of England §§Regional Development Agency exchanged contracts to purchase the land adjacent to Okehampton's Exeter Road industrial estate.

The RDA purchase will also help safeguard the long term future of an Okehampton bed manufacturer whose sweet dreams of expanding to a new factory could now be realised.

A shortage of employment land in Okehampton meant that bed manufacturer Sprung Slumber faced the possibility of moving out of the region after outgrowing its existing premises at North Road industrial estate.

The company has been granted the option of purchasing seven acres of land at the site to build a larger factory.

The move will safeguard 150 existing jobs, but is likely to create a significant number of new jobs.

Existing firms looking to expand could occupy many of the other units, but it is also hoped new firms may be attracted to Okehampton.

Paul Calvert, RDA asset manager, said: 'I am delighted that in buying this land the RDA has helped to secure the future of one of Okehampton's largest employers.

'We have had enormous success with Exeter Road Industrial Estate, which is now fully occupied, and we are confident that this new site will prove as popular, opening up much needed employment land in Okehampton.

'We propose to turn the 26 acre site — which could support up to 750 jobs — into fully serviced development plots which will be marketed to expanding companies like Sprung Slumber, both in and outside the region,' said Mr Calvert.

Tim Jones of Devon and Cornwall Business Council described the new industrial site as part of an 'absolutely amazing renaissance for Okehampton'.

'It is quite amazing what a transformation there has been in the Okehampton economy, along with the street enhancement scheme and the housing development. It is brilliant news to have such a major employment initiative in a great location,' he said.

He said he was confident many firms from outside the area would be attracted to the new Exeter Road site because it was close to the dual carriageway, easily accessible and in a prominent location, —all of which would be key factors for any firm deciding to move to the town.

Mr Jones said both the RDA and West Devon Borough Council had worked hard for several months to secure this employment land.

'It has been incredibly difficult. Patience has been necessary throughout the process, but it is now a done deal, which is brilliant,' he said.

Mike Wayte, managing director at Sprung Slumber, said: 'The acquisition of this much needed industrial land will enable Sprung Slumber to further develop its business based in Okehampton, protecting the employment of our current skilled workforce and providing additional employment for going forward.'

West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett said: 'I have obviously been monitoring this important event and I am delighted to congratulate West Devon Borough Council and the Regional Development Agency, who have shown great determination to secure this vital additional employment land for Okehampton.

'This transaction is crucial, not only to secure existing employment, but as a platform for additional employment opportunities for Okehampton and the surrounding area.'

David Incoll, borough council chief executive, said: 'We are delighted to have this exciting opportunity for jobs to be provided for the growing community of Okehampton and for space to be available for existing firms to expand.'

Mr Incoll said the site was the key employment provision for the north of the borough in the Local Plan and the council would now be working with its funding partners to achieve the maximum benefits from it.

Sprung Slumber say work on their new premises will begin when market conditions are favourable.