A SUPERMARKET giant is bringing a much-needed jobs boost to the area.
Morrisons will open its new 64,000 sq ft store on Saltney High Street on bank holiday Monday creating 300 posts after a jobs rush saw more than 1,000 people apply for the vacancies in a two-day recruitment drive in May.
Local traders are also set to benefit from increased footfall in the town.
Saltney town councillor Tiffany Elliot said she welcomed Morrisons’ decision to come back to the town describing it as a big commitment.
She said: “This is brilliant. It is really positive for the area. We are in a period of recession and they are going to bring a lot of jobs. This is a much-needed jobs boost.
“I have spoken to a lot of people who say they are going to use the store. It is going to increase footfall. More people in the town is going to boost trade.
“This is part of a long-term plan to get Saltney on the map.”
New store manager Les Williams, 50, of Northwich, said he would be working with his management team to add the finishing touches to the store over the next week.
He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking up this position and offering shoppers in Saltney an excellent supermarket and superb product range in a great location.
“Saltney deserves a fresh new supermarket.”
Members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee praised the scheme when they gave it planning permission last July after the former Morrisons store in River Lane closed in 2006.
Last week hundreds of freshly baked rolls and loaves were given to Chester Aid to the Homeless by the supermarket after a test of the store’s bakery.
Mr Williams said: “I am delighted our first bake has gone to such a worthy cause. We always try to ensure that nothing is wasted and therefore donating the bread provides the perfect solution.”