FENLAND’S ever-growing business park is a “spectacular, recession-beating success”, according to leader of the district council Alan Melton.

His vote of confidence came as the latest extension, phase 3, to the South Fens Enterprise Park in Chatteris was officially opened on Friday.

The �730,000 extension already has two of its eight business units filled and it is understood there is interest in the remaining space.

“In times of economic recession, this has been a spectacular success and we intend to build on it,” Cllr Melton said.

“I am so proud of it. It shows that the public sector working with the private sector can really achieve something.

“I feel completely vindicated that we have invested this sort of money and now we plan to start thinking about phases 4 and 5.”

The Fenland District Council leader said the enterprise park provided the support needed for small and medium-sized business in Fenland but would also help service sector work.

Prodir, a promotional merchandise company, was one of the first to move into the extension.

Office and accounts manager Wendy Jones said: “It’s quite exciting. It’s nice going to a new building. We needed the warehouse space so this place is brilliant.

“When the summer comes and we can sit outside I’m sure we’ll have a nice business community here.”

Malcolm Lyons of the Federation of Small Businesses in Fenland said: “Cambridge is stuffed full of business and it’s time that started to expand up here.”