A NEW McDonald’s restaurant is set to open in Darlington early next month.

The restaurant is being built on land previously used as a car park for the B&M store, in Meynell Road, near Morrison’s supermarket, close to the junction with Whessoe Road.

It is set to open on Wednesday, February 4 and, according to a McDonald’s spokeswoman, has created almost 100 new jobs in the area.

The restaurant will feature a dual-lane drive thru, digital menu boards, self-service kiosks and will seat 95 people.

Tablet computers will also be built into a number of tables for customers to use.

McDonald’s franchisee Mark Nutall will run the restaurant, and has appointed Ryan Norman, from Ingleby Barwick, as his business manager.

Mr Norman said: “We’re delighted to be bringing almost 100 new jobs to the Darlington area.

“We’ve been very impressed with the quality of candidates during the recruitment process and are working closely with both the job centre and local recruitment agencies to help with our recruitment plans.”

When Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee first approved the plans, some concerns were raised about increased traffic in the already busy commercial area.

The council’s highways department did not object to the development but officers did put forward a number of conditions with regards to road layout, vehicle routing and pedestrian safety.

Positions are still available at the restaurant for crew members, hospitality staff and trainee manager.

For more information call 07852-670-873.

An official opening is planned at the restaurant on Saturday, February 7.