Basildon cable giant Telewest is set for a major expansion - bringing 161 new jobs to the town.

The communications company is spreading its services across the country as technology takes a leap into the new millennium.

A number of sites have been picked for new Telewest offices, providing hundreds of jobs around Britain.

An existing warehouse next to the company's regional headquarters in Courtauld Road, on Basildon's Burnt Mills industrial estate, could be one of them.

If Basildon Council gives permission for the building to be used as offices instead of for industrial work, a total of 534 staff will work from the site.

A Telewest spokesman said: "We are gearing up for the launch of digital technology. A large number of jobs are to be created across Britain by Telewest during that time. Precisely where those jobs will go will depend on where planning permission is granted.

"Obviously, we would like those jobs to be in Basildon. As soon as permission is granted, we will be moving in and expanding the business."

The major expansion programme planned by the communications company is set to include a range of new products to take today's technology a step further.

It is not known how the proposed Telewest office compares in size to the current headquarters, but the spokesman described it as a "major addition to our existing site capacity".

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