DETAILS about a multi-billion pound project which could see a tidal gateway and road built across Morecambe Bay are set to be revealed.

A business forum will next month hear the latest plans for the route linking Cumbria and Lancashire, as well as one over the Duddon Estuary.

An update will be revealed to companies and organisations in a Tidal Power Business Forum.

The planned £8.5 billion project would create a road link across Morecambe Bay between Heysham in north Lancashire and Furness in south Cumbria, and across the Duddon Estuary to improve road access to Cumbria’s West Coast.

It is hoped tidal turbines will generate renewable energy sufficient to power more than two million homes – equivalent to a small nuclear power station – and create a new industry in the North West generating thousands of new jobs.

The project is being driven by the chief executive of the Northern Tidal Power Gateways board Alan Torevell, who wants to give local businesses the latest facts about this initiative.

“There has been a lot of rumour and speculation about the project which has been under way for more than four years, and we are now at a stage where we want to talk directly to local businesses about the opportunities it will create for economic growth and prosperity in the North West," he said.

“We also want to harness their enthusiasm and influence to ensure the project continues to move forward."

In March, councillor for Hawcoat, Alan Pemberton, launched a petition for the construction of the gateway.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the meeting.

"I hope we can make some sort of progress and fund a preliminary survey to start bankrolling.

“We need to get government backing so private businesses can invest in it and progress can be made.”

The business forum will open at 10.30am on June 7 at Kendal Town Hall.

The programme will include a Q&A session and the event will close by 1pm.

Any businesses wishing to attend should register interest by emailing mia@nwe2.co.uk.