THE opening of Europe’s largest parcel distribution hub - which cost £60m and has brought more than 1,000 jobs to the borough - has been praised by Barnsley Council bosses.

Hermes - now known as Evri - opened their state-of-the-art facility, dubbed ‘Colossus’, in Hoyland on Tuesday.

Cabinet members - who met on Wednesday - praised the firm for choosing the borough as a base.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “The opening Evri is really positive news for Barnsley.

“It’s great for economy, and for the local people, with many jobs having opened.”

Deputy leader Coun Chris Lamb added: “When this was being developed, people said workers will be on minimum wage and zero-hour contract, but this is not true.

“I really look forward to the next quarter of the year meeting to see how many more people are helped, with 80 per cent of jobs created being for locals.

“It’s making our economy grow.”