BUSINESS leaders have welcomed the news that Safeway is planning a major expansion of one of its North-East stores.
The firm is to create up to 300 jobs at its Victoria Road store in Darlington, if it gets planning permission for the extension to create a Megastore.
The chairman of the town's chamber of trade, Albion Small, described the news as "fantastic".
"It is excellent news for the town. Darlington should have some big supermarkets," he said.
"Jobs-wise, it's obviously fantastic, but also the merchandise and the extra things which will be available if it goes ahead."
New products and services which could be found at the store will include a central hub offering freshly cooked foods, new departments including electricals and homewares, as well as a nail bar and beauty area.
The store will increase in size by 40 per cent.
This will take up some of the existing car parking area, although it is planned that at least 500 spaces will be retained at the former bus depot site.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article