Plans revealed for Stanley Tesco that promises 250 jobs

North Durham MP Kevan Jones has welcomed Tesco’s latest plans to build a store in the centre of Stanley - creating 250 jobs.

Mr Jones said the multi-million pound investment was “desperately needed” in the town, particularly as the town has been hit by two major fires in recent months.

Tesco received planning permission for the Clifford Road site in 2011, but will need to re-apply, as negotiations with current site tenants took longer than expected.

The new proposals are for a slightly smaller store that will house a bakery, pharmacy, cafe and click-and-collect service for internet shoppers.

The supermarket giant has promised jobs for the town’s longterm unemployed, who will be provided with support in interviewing skills.

Tesco’s corporate affairs manager Mark Thomas said: “Shopping habits have also changed a great deal in that relatively short time so we have come up with some new ideas which we hope will be welcomed.”

Tesco will reveal full details at two public exhibitions in the Derwent Suite at Stanley’s Lamplight Theatre between 4pm and 9pm on Thursday January 30 and from 10am to 1pm on Saturday February 1.

Mr Thomas added: “We would ask that as many people as possible come to find out information and, most importantly, let us know what they think.

“We realise that this is very important news for Stanley and we want to work as closely as possible with local people to make sure we deliver a store which creates jobs, provide shoppers with more choice and great value food and helps revive the town centre. Tesco is committed to coming to Stanley.”