Up to 2000 more jobs to be created in Derby by 2011

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Derby economy will receive a massive boost from the planned rail freight terminal that will connect to the Castle Donington site after Brailsford property firm Clowes Developments signed a multi-million-pound deal with Network Rail.

The deal whose work will start in January will lead to the creation of up to 2,000 jobs and could secure work for Derby's train industry as the link is expected to be able to handle thousands of tonnes of goods and attract big employers to its East Midlands Distribution Centre scheme.

As part of the deal that is worth about £10 million, work will be contracted out to other companies which could include Balfour Beatty, whose rail division employs over 300 people in Derbyshire, and other specialist Derby firms.

The rail link and terminal would allow large containers to be transported to Castle Donington from deep sea ports in the UK and link up with the European rail network via the Channel tunnel.

It is also close to East Midlands Airport, making it more attractive for businesses. The news has also been welcomed by the East Midlands Development Agency.