Two major building projects in Derby could bring thousands of new jobs to the area.

A refurbishment programme for council houses and the extension of a shopping centre will create 2,700 jobs if they go ahead.

Derby City Council has promised to set up training schemes to meet the demand for skilled workers.

New training schemes are being set up

The council is currently bidding for �80m of government funding to refurbish council houses.

The authority is responsible for 15,000 homes and says many require urgent attention.

The Eagle Centre shopping complex is expected to be refurbished and extended in the near future.

If funding is secured the council project will create 1,000 jobs and the Eagle Centre another 1,700.

Derby Homes, the housing arm of the city council, says it is organizing ways of coping with this demand.

Councillor Paul Bayliss of Derby Homes said: "One of the things we are doing is putting together a training scheme.

"Every year for the next four years we will be training people so that they have worthwhile jobs and good employment prospects for the future."

If funding is secured the council house scheme will start in September of this year and the Eagle Shopping centre project is expected to begin in 2004.