ALMOST 100 jobs are set to be created in Highbridge after a food manufacturer was given the go ahead to expand its premises.

The Mercury reported in April how Isleport Foods was looking to create 92 new jobs at its Isleport Business Park after submitting a proposal to extend its site to Sedgemoor District Council.

And the council have now approved the plans, meaning the company’s workforce will soon be swelled from 306 workers to 398.

The company, which is owned by Icelandic firm Bakkavor, will now start work on building a ground floor goods-in area, a new entrance, and first floor offices, as well as undertaking a 1,200m sq extension along the northern side of the building.

Councillor Chris Williams, who represents Highbridge in Burnham and Highbridge Town Council said: “This is very, very welcome news for the town, particularly with the boost to jobs that the East Bridgwater development is bringing in.”

Burnham and Highbridge’s mayor, Councillor Michael Clarke, said: “The expansion at Isleport Foods is something to be welcomed by Burnham and Highbridge as extra business coming to the towns will help secure extra jobs for the area.”