MP's praise for 'amazing' supermarket as Morrisons prepares to open new Dalton Park store

The Morrisons branch at Dalton Park shopping centre, in Murton, will open on Thursday, November 26, after a four-year wait.

Planning permission for a store was granted as far back as 2014 before the company put its plans on hold in 2016 after the building was completed.

Three-hundred-and-one full and part-time positions have now been created by the supermarket giant.

Another 47 Morrisons staff are also transferring across to the 30,000-sq-ft store.

Easington Labour MP Grahame Morris, after studying pictures of the store, has now said: "The new Morrisons supermarket looks amazing.

"The transformation from a cold looking, empty retail unit to a bright and vibrant supermarket ready for Christmas is remarkable.

"I have long believed that Morrisons would be a success at Dalton Park, and this confidence, I am sure, will become a reality in the weeks ahead.

“In the current economic climate, it is a welcome sight to see new employment and retail opening in East Durham.

“The opening of Morrisons is testament to the community campaign and continuous lobbying, which showed that a new supermarket would be viable and in high demand at Dalton Park.

“I look forward to visiting and wish Morrisons, and all their new employees, all the best for Christmas, New Year and the future at Dalton Park."

Around 2,200 people applied for the roles before the figure was whittled down to about 1,200 for the interview stage.

Although no exact demographic breakdown has been released, the majority of the workforce is said to be from the “local area”.

Morrisons will be open 7am-10pm from Mondays-Saturdays and from 11am-5pm on Sundays with click and collect and delivery services also available at www.morrisons.com.

As well as the company’s familiar Market Street counters, the supermarket features a barista bar, floristry department, soft furnishings and family clothing.

Its team of community champions has already supported the recent refurbishment of Murton Community Centre with groups and charities able to book a community room at the store for free once lockdown eases.

Further details are available by emailing Stephanie Carrel at [email protected]

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