A CONTROVERSIAL out-of-town retail park is trading so well there are plans for businesses to expand into the high street.

When plans for the development at St. Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, were announced they were met with fierce criticism from many residents who feared it would have a devastating effect on the high street.

However, MP Helen Goodman says the success of the retail park is on track to benefit Bishop Auckland’s town centre.

Yesterday (Saturday, March 28), she met with Jane Aykers, store manager at Costa, which has seen business at its St Helen Auckland branch increase by 25 per cent compared to last year.

Mrs Ayker, who has been an employee with Costa for a decade, said: “We have done very well, and I put that down to my team and the loyalty of our customers.

“Based on the success of this store the company is now looking for a suitable site in the high street, which will bring more jobs to the area.”

Mrs Goodman said: “Ten years ago I was told that 80 per cent of people’s money was spent out of Bishop Auckland, so there was scope for a development here.

“We can now see how successful the development has been, and I would be delighted to see the businesses expand into the town centre which would come together with the Auckland Castle development.

“The whole point is to create more jobs and we are now firmly on track to do that.”