WIRRAL'S ambition to become a major hub for clean energy has taken a step forward this week with the creation of 235 jobs at a new business park in Birkenhead.

It follows last weeks' announcement that leading offshore wind energy company Dong Energy is setting up new facilities at Cammell Laird.

Last week, the firm signed to lease facilities at the Cammell Laird site in Birkenhead from Peel Land and Property.

The firm will employ up to 50 people at this new construction base for the expansion of Burbo Bank offshore wind farm in Liverpool Bay.

In addition, Redsun Developments' new Turbine Business Park near Cammell Laird off the A41 Chester Road in Birkenhead will provide 235 local jobs, with businesses already operating from new units on the site.

Cllr Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, said: "Wirral is harnessing its success as a clean energy hub to enable economic growth at the gateway to the Northern Powerhouse.

"New companies are investing in Wirral, and helping us carve a considerable niche in new 'carbon neutral' industries.

"We have a growing reputation as an authority that they want to do business with."

Craig Booton, managing director of Redsun Developments, said: "The financial support and 'can do' attitude of council staff was essential in overcoming some of the difficult issues associated with this complex, brownfield site.

"The end product speaks for itself and Wirral Council should rightly be proud of their considerable involvement in facilitating this development.

"Turbine Business Park offers, high quality, energy efficient workspace units providing the opportunity for business growth.

"As a direct consequence of this investment more new local jobs will be created.

"Having finished the first phase of the project we are now over the half-way point to completion and the second phase is expected to complete by early May, with units currently still available to lease or buy.”