'New jobs, investment, and retail is extremely welcome": Jobs boost with new Morrisons store opening

Supermarket chain Morrisons has been praised for pushing ahead with a new store opening in County Durham at a ‘difficult time’ for the region.

The firm has previously been accused of leaving North East families in limbo after shelving previous plans to move into Dalton Park, in Murton.

But retail bosses look set to honour a pledge to start trading from the site ‘before Christmas’ after they confirmed today its outlet would open on Thursday, November 26.

Easington MP Grahame Morris said: “I know the whole community will be delighted that we have an opening date for Morrisons at Dalton Park.

“At a difficult time, new jobs, investment, and retail is extremely welcome.

“I am confident Morrisons will be successful in East Durham and I look forward to visiting when it opens on November 26.”

Planning permission for a supermarket and petrol station was granted by Durham County Council in 2014 as part of a multi-million pound expansion of Dalton Park, which also saw a cinema and restaurants built.

But two years later, after the keys to the new unit had already been handed over, the opening was put on hold by the food seller.

Earlier this year plans for a petrol station were revived, with the fuel facility opening in June, but it took until August for the firm to confirm it also planned to open a food store at the site.

About 150 jobs are believed to have been created by the plans, which could prove a much needed shot in the arm for the retail park following the second round of national coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Jerry Hatch, Dalton Park’s centre manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to the new Morrisons store opening on 26 November as it is a fantastic addition to our offering here at Dalton Park.

“A lot of hard work has been carried out behind the scenes in recent months so we are delighted to see this project being delivered and the benefits it will bring to our community.”

Details of festive opening hours or other facilities are yet to be announced, but are expected later this month (November).

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