WORK on Barnard Castle's long awaited £12m new Safeway store will begin on Monday after five years of wrangles.

But while the number of jobs being created by the new store is, as yet uncertain, the supermarket chain has urged its contractors to use as much local labour as possible while building the shop.

The development will replace the existing Safeway supermarket in the town.

It is due to be completed in March next year, and will offer a wider variety of goods than the present store, as well as providing extra jobs.

During the work the existing store will continue trading. Shoppers will be unaffected, because the site entrance opens near Galgate.

Once the new site is completed, the old store will be demolished to extend the Teesdale District Council-run car park.

Safeway Stores' development controller Bruce Lindsay said: "We are unable to say at this point how many jobs will be created, but will be liaising with the local JobCentre nearer the new store's opening date.

"We have also instructed the contractor, Dawn Construction of Prestwick, to use local labour where possible."