THE transformation of Weston's former airfield into a regional business park could create thousands of jobs. Developer Persimmon Special

THE transformation of Weston's former airfield into a regional business park could create thousands of jobs.Developer Persimmon Special Projects aim to attract regional and national businesses to the 30-hectare site, according to plans submitted to North Somerset Council.Company director Paul Davis says the business park, in Winterstoke Road, will attract up to 5,000 jobs, helping to reduce the number of commuters leaving the resort each day. He said: "This is a clear statement of our commitment to making Weston a key employment location along the M4/M5 corridor."Property consultants Alder King will be marketing office space and leisure facilities if the plans go ahead. Chairman Grant Watson said: "We are already in advance discussions with a number of high calibre office suppliers which are seeking new headquarters. "We have also received interest from a number of national hotel operators."We are not exaggerating when we say it could be the fastest-moving business park in the South West."The new site will be called Weston Park under the proposals, which include a road crossing the airfield, linking the M5 motorway with a light industrial park off Winterstoke Road. Weston's Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate, Mike Bell, has welcomed the plans but warns the chance for a park and ride scheme must not be lost. He said: "It is vital we get traffic management right from the start. We must not let up on pressure for improvements at junction 21 and we really need to look again at a park and ride scheme."Mr Bell has written a letter to the chief executive of the local authority to ask him to look into options for a park and ride scheme.