PROGRESS on a town centre's long awaited redevelopment has leapt forward with the arrival of new public amenities and 50 new jobs.

Cranes have lifted a temporary library into place in Newton Aycliffe town centre and Wilkinsons is opening a nearby store.

The County Durham town has been in commercial free fall since Tesco opened a supermarket on the edge of the town.

The original plan to link the two developments never materialised and was scrapped before a second proposal was put forward.

Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, said that these latest developments prove that the new proposals are taking shape.

He said: "Although it's only a temporary library it's actually a vast improvement to the old one.

"It's bright and spacious and the old people's drop in centre, the Cubby as it's known locally, is moving in too.

"Next will be the demolition of the old dilapidated library and health centre which will be quite significant for the town."

Meanwhile, about 500 people attended a recruitment event for the Wilkinson's store, due to open in July.

Kay Armstrong, store manager, said: "We've had a fantastic response to this recruitment, and we're working closely with Jobcentre Plus, to recruit as many people as possible."

Anyone who was unable to attend the event can search for vacancies on the Jobcentre Plus website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or contact Jobcentre Plus on 0845-60-60-234.