Preparation work is under way for a major new business park which could eventually bring more than 2,000 jobs to West Norfolk.

Contractors have moved in to divert a high-pressure gas main which divides the Nar Ouse Business Park site, on the southern out-skirts of King's Lynn.

The £2m scheme will enable access roads and drainage to be provided for the business park next year.

A report to councillors, which recommended applying for enterprise zone status for the site, said: 'It was anticipated that this area would create 48,000 square metres of employment space for advanced manufacturing and engineering. Up to 2,200 new jobs could be available as calculated by the Government employment density guidance formula.'

Specialist contractors Cadent have started on site, with the work expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.

West Norfolk council says disruption will be minimal while it is in progress.

But deliveries of large pipes to the site in the coming weeks may cause short-term traffic delays.

Alistair Beales, the council's cabinet member for corporate projects and assets, said: 'Over the next few weeks people will start to see a lot of activity, as the necessary preparatory works get under way.

'This is a major step forward which will open up more of the site for development and allow us to get the necessary infrastructure in place next year, ready for the first units to be built.'

A planning application is due to be submitted for the site infrastructure next month. This will also include the first phase of buildings which will appear on the site.

Architects AHR were appointed last year to draw up a masterplan for the site, which includes a range of 'high quality' commercial premises - both office and light industrial units - for the business park.

Nar Ouse Business Park is one of 10 sites which form New Anglia LEP's 'Space to Innovate' Enterprise Zone.

The sites across Norfolk and Suffolk offer firms a business rate discount of up to £275,000 over five years, simplified planning and access to superfast broadband.

More information about Nar Ouse Business Park Enterprise Zone is available via the Investwestnorfolk.co.uk website.