WORK to solve one of Knutsford's biggest headaches could start this year.

Director Nick Harris said Miller Developments were in talks with Network Rail about when to start building a new access road to Parkgate Industrial Estate.

"We, like the council, have a willingness to be on site as soon as possible," he said.

"And we hope to keep disruption to an absolute minimum."

The developers recently commissioned an environmental study of the area to check for endangered species. None were found, which has now cleared the way for building to start. Miller Developments, which won the contract in October, are now talking with Macclesfield Borough Council about planning constraints.

"There are some problems, but they are being looked at in a meaningful manner," said Mr Harris, boss of Britain's largest privately-owned development company.

Borough councillors held secret talks last year to decide who would win the £22million contract.

They were seeking the best solution to congestion problems around Parkgate Lane.

Staff, who work on the industrial estate, have complained for years about congestion. Some, waiting to join Mobberley Road, are often stranded in Haig Road for more than 30 minutes.

Now Miller Developments want to create a new link with Mobberley Road, which is likely to run underneath the railway line.

New industrial and distribution facilities will also be built.

And there are plans integrate the existing 30-acre site with land next to it and build a high-profile office block called Birkin Park.

On Monday Mr Harris said there were several companies already interested in moving in.

"Some are from Knutsford, some are from the North West and others are from wider afield," he said.

amoores@guardiangrp.co.uk