A TOWN left without a major supermarket for two years is to get a new store that will create 250 new jobs.

The Somerfield store in Durham Road, Birtley, closed with the loss of 40 jobs in 2009 and plans for it to re-open as a Morrisons failed to materialise as the building was considered to be too small.

Now developer Morbaine is hoping to redevelop the store site and neighbouring land used as a council depot.

The firm will build a bigger, 25,000 sq ft supermarket that will be operated by Morrisons, who took over the former Co-op superstore in nearby Chester-le-Street.

Morrisons development executive Andrew Cooper said: "The new Morrisons store will create up to 250 new local jobs with excellent training and development opportunities targeted squarely at local people.

“Employing a local workforce has been an intrinsic part of our success story for many years.

“We are looking forward to helping to regenerate this site and our professional team is already working with Gateshead Council and Morbaine to deliver a new store that compliments the whole area."

Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry said: "It was recognised some time ago that, to regenerate Birtley town centre to meet the needs of current and future residents, a major new anchor retailer was required.

“We've been working hard to create the right opportunity for a major retailer to move into the town centre, so now we've succeeded I hope this will be the catalyst for more development in the area."

The council says local people will be consulted on the proposals and that a planning application will be submitted early in the New Year.

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