THOUSANDS of workers on one of Europe's largest business parks are to get an easier route to work.

Cobalt Park, in North Tyneside, will have a bus service and could also get a train service if public transport to the site proves popular.

An estimated 17,000 people are expected to eventually be working on the park when all the units are fully let.

The transport link will be provided by the 316 service from the Blyth area, funded by Northumberland County Council through the Blyth Connects project, and will link to the Metro station at Backworth when that is completed next year.

Work is under way on the Metro station, part of a £12m transport network - the Stephenson Link - which will bring thousands of people from north and south of the Tyne to Cobalt.

The Metro station will link with a bus service to Cobalt on dedicated roads.

The developer of Cobalt, Highbridge Business Park Limited, has made a substantial contribution to the Metro interchange project.

Guy Marsden, Highbridge director, said: "There are more than a million people on Tyneside, and we want Cobalt to be accessible to as many of them as possible.

"This will give people the opportunity for employment with leading companies, and also maximise the workforce pool from which employers can select staff."

The Stephenson Link is being led by Nexus and North Tyneside Council.

Alan Parks, Nexus project manager, said: "The station is the crux of the Stephenson Link, and will be a new focus for integrated public transport.

"The link has been in the planning for five years, and is opening up the entire area for access for people to get to work.

"It will be a genuine alternative to the car, reducing congestion, pollution and stress levels."

Published: ??/??/2003