EXMOOR'S rural economy has been given a boost with the opening of seven new industrial units.

The Market Enterprise Centre at Wheddon Cross - a £592,000 investment from Somerset County Council - is part of a wider £1.2 million development which includes a livestock market and a mix of open-market and affordable homes.

County councillor David Hall, who cut the ribbon to mark the official unveiling of the business element of the scheme last Thursday, said the units offered excellent facilities for small businesses to grow and develop on Exmoor.

Cllr Hall, cabinet member responsible for economic development, added: "The centre comprises seven light industrial units ranging from 705 to 1,550 square feet and it forms an important part of the authority's commitment to improving business infrastructure and supporting economic growth in rural areas.

"This is a really good news story for local communities in and around Wheddon Cross and Exmoor.

"The units provide an opportunity for business owners and employees to remain close to where they live and at the same time will help contribute to a thriving and sustainable local economy."

Two of the units have already been let to car repairs and services company MK Autos and Dods of London Ltd, which produces custom-made shepherd's huts.

Dods owner Huw Frederickson said his company's ironwork was already made at its forge in Snowdrop Valley.

"These units will allow local businesses the opportunity to develop in the heart of Exmoor National Park and we hope to be able to make our own contribution to the village of Wheddon Cross," he said.

"All our employees live in the local area and it is hard to imagine a more beautiful spot to run a business."

Mark Keal from MK Autos, which provides a range of services for vehicles and has just been approved to open a MoT station, said the company had begun trading in 2002.

"We are extremely happy to be back where our business belongs in these new units on Exmoor," he said.

The overall development on the site is a result of a partnership between the county council, the Exmoor National Park Authority - which relaxed its policies to allow the open market homes and secure the viability of the project - West Somerset Council, Cutcombe Parish Council, Magna Summerfield Developments (South West) and the Homes and Community Agency.

It involved more than four years of negotiations and has provided first class livestock market facilities and a total of 25 homes, a dozen of which are affordable.