A SHOPPING development that has brought jobs to Newton Aycliffe has been hailed a success.

Only two units remain unlet at Cobblers Hall Village, a £6m development that has brought 100 jobs to the area.

Five years in the planning, the 3.5 acre site next to the PCP healthcare complex, features ten retail units, parking for 90 vehicles, a care home and a pub/restaurant.

The site also has planning permission for a children's nursery, which is expected to be built shortly.

Units have been taken by Bells Stores, Coral bookmakers, The Village Opticians, Suntanna health and beauty and a range of food outlets.

Let by chartered surveyors Sanderson Weatherall and GST Property Consultants, the scheme was the first project of Midlands development company Calderwood Property Investments, and took nine months to build.

The project started life as three shops, a church and a pub and restaurant, but came under threat at one point when a brewery pulled out.

Rob Mason, managing director of Calderwood Property Investments, said: "It almost jeopardised the whole scheme, but then Wolverhampton and Dudley took it on and the pub should be open by the middle of June. It is going to be a high-class pub and restaurant."

Mr Mason said he was delighted at the support he had received from Sedgefield Borough Council.

He said: "I think the whole development has worked out really well. It is something that Newton Aycliffe can be proud of."

For more information about the Cobblers Hall Village development, contact Sanderson Weatherall on (01642) 870870.