PART of the county could be in for a jobs boost after Kent County Council snapped up a business park close to Manston Airport in Thanet.

In a £5.3million deal, the 35-acre Manston Business Park has been bought from administrators of PlaneStation, the failed company that previously owned Kent International Airport and no frills airline EUjet.

The site is already home to Cohline, a German automotive parts manufacturer, and Cummins Power Generation, specialists in diesel generation.

Cllr Graham Gibbens, KCC Cabinet member for regeneration, said the council had stepped in because the park had potential to support regeneration in East Kent.

KCC already owns Kings Hill, a flagship business park in West Malling. It regards Manston as the "Kings Hill of the East".

Cllr Gibbens said the council would encourage businesses to move to the park. KCC itself might also relocate some council activities to the site, he added.

"We have bought the park. It's a sign of our confidence in the East Kent economy and it’s a sign of our determination to bring about real change in what has traditionally been a disadvantaged area.

"It will bring quality jobs into Thanet because that is key to regenerating the whole area.

"Properly managed, it is a significant site. Roads are already in place and there is scope in the longer-term for KCC to make a financial gain out of the project."