PLANS have been unveiled which could create 50 jobs in an unemployment blackspot in north Durham.

Derwentside District Council will decide whether to set up a second £1m e-business centre, in Consett, in the next three months.

The first centre, which opened at Consett Business Park, in the Leadgate ward, last year, has been hailed a success by the council.

It gives developing companies the chance to use free Internet access and computer equipment, and receive free business consultations until December.

The money came from Derwentside council, the European Union and the Government's rural development fund.

Leader of the council, Councillor Alex Watson, said that plans for the second centre had been under discussion for some time, but said councillors would not make a final decision for up to three months.