A MULTI-MILLION pound supermarket is to open in Chester-le-Street town centre by the end of the summer, creating jobs for more than 200 people.

Following years of delay, the Tesco store is expected to be completed by the end of August or beginning of September, with recruitment starting in the next couple of weeks.

The development, near the market place, was put on hold for four years, while a public inquiry was held into the proposals. Plans were referred to the High Court after food retailer Co-op applied for a judicial review.

Co-op has a store close to the site and argued that another large food retailer nearby would pose a threat to its branch. But the application was turned down following a three-hour hearing.

The store will be in an area of town deemed to be the town's new "civic heart" which will form a central focal point with art work, seating and areas to accommodate events such as concerts.

Plans are being finalised to develop the civic heart and work is expected to start once Tesco has opened.

The market place is also in line for a revamp, with plans to attract more specialist arts and craft stalls and the creation of permanent stalls.

Traders have welcomed the arrival of the supermarket.

Alex Nelson, from the town's traders' association said: "In general terms, people see it is as an improvement in the shopping facilities in the town.

"If it had been on the edge of town, at the Riverside for instance, then it would not have been as welcome. But the fact that it is so close to the town centre means there is more likelihood of people visiting other shops in the town as well as the supermarket."

A Tesco spokesman said the store would be of average size, selling mainly food with a some non-food items such as cooking utensils.

He said: "We are obviously very excited about coming to Chester-le-Street.

"The residents have been waiting for work to start for a while, and we believe the store will be worth the wait."

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street District Council said: "The council, JobCentre Plus and the Action Team for Jobs are working with Tesco to ensure that as many local people as possible are employed as a result of this development."