Work has started on the new Beehive Business Park in Ulverston.

The first phase of the development, due for completion in 2020, will bring Aldi and Marks & Spencer food hall to the business park, on land off the A590, and also includes two other employment units, one of which is a purpose-designed base for high-end Lakeland meat provider Lake District Farmers.

The building work is being carried out by Caddick Construction.

A spokesman for Beehive Business Park developer the Rawdown Property Group said: “We are very pleased that the people of Ulverston can now see real progress on the Beehive Business Park with construction crews on site bringing the arrival of M&S Food, Aldi and other businesses and jobs one step closer.

“We had hoped to start on the site last year, but that was delayed by minor planning and contract issues which were subsequently resolved. Throughout that period we were working hard to reach the stage where work could start on the development.

“Some local people have expressed concerns about the delays and the fact that hedgerows on the site had been netted to prevent birds nesting there.

"Placing netting on the hedgerows was part of the normal site preparation process. It was unfortunate that it remained in place longer than anticipated, but we did not want to disturb any wildlife when the work went ahead, or create any further delays.

“As part of the development, we will be planting new indigenous hedgerows around the site perimeter and within the site which will provide habitats for birds and wildlife in the future.”