ALMOST 30 jobs will be created when Boyes takes over the former Kwik Save store in Consett.

The Scarborough-based firm has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds refurbishing the building, in West Victoria Road, which is to open at the start of next month.

Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson said the development was proof investors have faith in Consett's economic sustainability.

He said: "It is a good thing for the town, because we don't like closed shops.

"It was a shame when Kiwk Save closed, because it was a very successful retailer and no one can understand why it closed.

"But this is a very welcome move, and it demonstrates the confidence people have in the town."

He said there would be a knock-on effect from the move: "The more jobs you have creates competition among employers to give their workers the best wages so they keep them.

"So this is a very good thing for the labour market, and it will also attract even more investment here.

"The store will bring more people into the town, and there will an additional spin-off for local businesses."

Boyes was founded in 1881 by William Boyes, the current owners' great-grandfather, in a small shop selling remnants of cloth and job lots.

The company now has a multi-million pound turnover in the North of England and the Midlands.

It is a discount store, which sells clothes, toys, household goods, DIY equipment and gardening gear.

Joint managing director Tim Boyes said: "We are doing well in other parts of the North-East and this is a good-sized unit, with 8,500sq ft of floor space.

"It is near a bus station, with lots of pedestrians going by. We offer a good many products, which provide very good value for money.

"We also want to offer job opportunities to people from the locality.

"From what we hear, the area is doing well economically and long may it do so."