A SUBURBAN shopping development has been hailed a success, bringing much-needed jobs the region.

Only two units remain to be let at Cobblers Hall Village, in Newton Aycliffe, a £6m development which has brought about 100 jobs to the area.

Five years in the planning, the 3.5-acre site next to the PCP Healthcare complex contains ten retail units, car parking for 90 vehicles, a residential care home and a pub/restaurant. The site also has planning permission for a children's nursery which is expected to be built soon.

So far, the units have been taken by Bells Stores, which was recently acquired by Sainsburys, Coral bookmakers, The Village Opticians, Suntanna health and beauty and a range of food outlets.

Bells Stores managing director Stephen Bell said: "Our unit is doing exceptionally well.

"It is the best new greenfield site we have opened and employs about 25 full and part-time staff."