A RETAIL development is celebrating a double success after cutting unemployment and being nominated for an award.

Dalton Park outlet shopping centre, in Murton, has recruited two-thirds of its workforce from among the unemployed.

Since opening in April, several outlets have already taken on more staff, with 155 people, 66 per cent of whom were unemployed, gaining work through JobCentre Plus.

The figure reflects the efforts of a partnership involving JobCentre Plus, Dalton Park management team, Easington District Council and New College Durham, which all sought to recruit local people.

More than half of those working at Dalton Park live in Seaham and Murton, with three quarters living in the Easington district.

Jason Livingston, business manager at Seaham's JobCentre Plus, said: "These are some of the key successes from the main recruitment. However, this does not represent the end of the story.

"Although the majority of the units are occupied and open, more outlets including Next and Marks and Spencer are still to come."

The Marks and Spencer unit,which opens on Thursday, is creating more than 30 jobs.

Alan Napier, leader of Easington District Council, said: "We are delighted that so many unemployed people have found work at the new Dalton Park development."

Information about job vacancies at Dalton Park is available by calling 0191-526 8389 or 0845 6060234, or by visiting the www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk website.

The development has also been named a finalist in the Best New Retail Park or Refurbishment category of the 2003 Retail Property Awards, which will be presented in London next Friday.