COUNCILLORS have given their backing to a controversial scheme to create a megastore in a former industrial town.
Durham County Council is hoping to help launch dozens of residents in to work with a recruitment drive for a new supermarket in Bishop Auckland.
The council is funding the ‘launchpad’, a mobile office unit, which will call at Crook Market Place this week, Thursday 29 July.
The council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration is Cllr Neil Foster: “The ‘launchpad’ is a purpose - built mobile unit perfectly suited to taking recruitment drives into rural communities like this.
“A range of partners will be on hand to offer expert help and advice to anyone interested in exploring the host of retail-related job opportunities which will come with the opening of the new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Bishop Auckland this winter.
“We are supporting similar initiatives involving Tesco and other retailers throughout the county.
“Our rural employability teams will also be able to offer advice on the Rural Jobs Fund which is a new initiative aiming to help unemployed people and local businesses in Teesdale and Weardale.”
More information on the Rural Jobs Fund is available by calling 01388 743188 or visiting www.ruraljobsfund.co.uk
The recruitment drive runs from 10.00am until 2.00pm and experts from JobCentre Plus, Sainsbury’s and the council will be on hand.
People are being invited to remember their loved ones at two special memorial services next month.
Durham Crematorium is holding the ceremonies at 11am on Saturday, 7 August and 3pm on Sunday, 8 August to mark 50 years of serving families in the area
The services will be interdenominational and will include Church of England, Roman Catholic and non-conformist clergy as well as a Humanist celebrant.
Both are open to the general public but are by ticket only. Tickets confirming times and other details will be posted to applicants nearer to the event.
To request a ticket write to AS José, Superintendent and Registrar, Durham Crematorium, South Road Durham, DH1 3TQ or call 0191 384 8677.
Applicants are asked to indicate which service they would like to attend and how many tickets they require.
