Farnworth Tesco gets go-ahead

Councillors have granted planning consent for developer Cathco to build a new Tesco store on the site of the former Kwik Save store in Farnworth, Bolton.

The approval will now be referred to the Government Office for the North West to make a final decision in around a month's time.

Tesco will set up one of its Regeneration Partnerships with local employment organisations and the council to ensure at least half of 360 jobs at the new store go to people who have been out of work for six months or more. Recruits will be guaranteed a job as long as they complete a six week pre-employment training programme. No other retailer in the UK matches this offer, a spokesman for Tesco said.

The cash from the sale of the land will be used to relocate two business – Newfoil and Wallace Cars – from the edge of the former Kwik Save site.

Peter Taylor, managing director of printing and label firm Newfoil, said: "This is great news for our business as it will allow us to relocate to new up-to-date premises in the area so that we can expand and it will also secure the future of our 50-strong workforce. We have been at Longcauseway for 20 years, but have outgrown the facilities, so look forward to relocating as soon as possible."

Construction on the new store will start as soon as the two existing businesses find new premises.