BUSINESSES have received praise for plans to transform east Durham’s employment landscape.

A number of companies in Peterlee have launched expansion drives, which aim to deliver 800 posts by 2017.

The Northern Echo previously reported how car parts firm TRW Automotive wants 300 people to support new projects, and how clothes-maker The AMA Group wants up to 12 staff every month over the next year to lift its workforce to 150.

Anti-depressant maker Bristol Laboratories, based on Whitehouse Business Park, is also looking to take on 300 staff, after securing financial backing from the last Government’s Regional Growth Fund job creation scheme.

Family-run Peterlee Glass, fresh from a multi-million pound takeover by Brownhills Investments, is adding to its 30-strong team, with Albany Assistance, on the Bracken Hill Business Park, planning more roles after taking on 65 call centre staff.

The developments have been backed by Joanne Urquhart-Arnold, of Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business division.

Ms Urquhart-Arnold, who also sits on the Peterlee Business Park steering group, said: “There is a real positive vibe among the business community, and the encouraging thing is growth is evident in a number of sectors.

“The steering group members, together with businesses, have worked incredibly hard to change perceptions of the area and raise its profile.

“I think there’s an acknowledgement now that it’s not all doom and gloom, and that our businesses are growing and creating jobs.”