A COFFEE shop and pizza restaurant built on the site of a former 19th century coaching inn have created the first of 100 plus jobs that developers hope will come to the site.

The opening of Costa Coffee and Dominos on Thinford Park, Spennymoor, has created more than 30 jobs.

Durham County Council's decision to give planning consent to the scheme in 2015 was not wholeheartedly supported in the community.

Some residents were upset at the loss of the historic Thinford Inn, despite it suffering vandalism and fire damage after it closed in 2012, and there were fears it would impact on the viability of neighbouring DurhamGate.

Wayne Baister, of Initial Group, masterminded the project, which also has space for a hotel, family pub, drive through restaurant and gym taking the potential job opportunities over 100.

He said: "The completion of the site represents a huge amount of hard work across a number of years.

"We are delighted both Costa and Dominos chose the location to serve the Thinford Park site and the opportunities presented by phase 2 of the development could bring further well respected brands to the area, bringing with them quality employment in significant numbers.”

Funds from the Rural Growth Network, to help unlock the site, were secured with support from South Durham Enterprise Agency.

Chairman Rob Yorke said: “The public sector has an important hand in helping the private sector reimagine sites like this as a hub for new local jobs.

"The funding secured has meant 30 people have had, otherwise unavailable, access to employment.

"Jobs with well respected national brands for that matter, and we’re proud to have helped secure the funding to assist the communities of County Durham.”