BURY could be in line for a huge jobs boost after a hospital pledged to create 225 new posts.

Alpha Hospital, in Bolton Road, which cares for people with psychiatric problems, wants to build facilities for more than 80 extra patients. The site currently houses 119 patients and employs 360 staff.

Bosses have applied to Bury Council for permission to build a 48-bed medium security unit and a 46-bed low-security unit The hospital currently has a 32-bed unit, called Ladywell, a 10-bed low security unit, called Lindsey House, and a 78-bed medium security unit called Hudson. It includes provision for vulnerable deaf people If permission is granted, Lindsey House would be demolished.

New office facilities would also be built above a proposed underground car park with 140 spaces. It would replace a 58-space car park at the south end of the site.

The new employees would be a mix of nurses, healthcare assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, administrative and domestic staff.

A report Alpha submitted to the council says: “It is anticipated that approximately 225 extra staff will be required.”

Government figures show 4.1 per cent of the borough's population — 4,596 people — are unemployed and claiming job seekers’ allowance.

Hospital director, Joanne Scott, said: “There is an ever-growing demand for mental health services such as our own, reflecting the World Health Organisation’s assessment that one in four people suffer a mental health problem at some time in their lives.

“Our proposals for an extension to our hospital will help to fulfil the demand.

“In the current economic climate, this is also good news for local employment.

“Besides the direct benefit of creating more jobs, the people who work here generate more income for local shops and other businesses.”

The Chamber of Commerce president for Bury, Shahid Azam, of Clough and Willis Solicitors, said: “Anything that brings jobs to the local area can only be positive.

“It shows the borough is pro-active in trying to increase the number of jobs.

“However, planning approval must first be given.”

The council has written to 77 neighbours about the proposal.

Residents have until September 14 to air their views, and the council is expected to make a decision by October 19 on whether the expansion can go ahead.