EUROPEAN measures to cut down on the number of old cars sent for scrap could mean dozens of new jobs in Long Marston.

The Bird Group of Companies Ltd looks likely to gain planning permission to turn part of its metal processing yard into a site for the storage and sale of so-called end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).

Wychavon District Council's planning committee voted last week to approve the plans, provided there were no highway objections, but a report to councillors said: "It is considered that a reduction in HGV movements will result."

The Bird Group wants to sell cars that can be repaired or dismantled for spares at weekly trade auctions that would not be open to the general public.

It believes that the new venture could mean as many as 60 fresh jobs at the site.

The company's agent, Ian Milligan, said: "The closedown of the depot next door meant the loss of well over 80 to 100 jobs and this should help to pull them back for places like Mickleton, Pebworth and Quinton."

An EU directive coming into force in October means that fewer of the country's 1.8 million ELVs will be scrapped for recycling.

Instead, companies, such as Birds, will have to examine vehicles to see if they can be repaired or parts recovered.

Such vehicles will then be sold and only the most badly-damaged will be crushed.

The report to councillors said: "The yard at Long Marston is one of the few plants in the area that is large enough to accommodate the new separation and storage requirements."

This means new jobs for mechanics and security and administration staff at Long Marston and for drivers to collect the crashed cars.

The area that will be used for storing and selling the cars will cover about five acres of the Birds site.