SAINSBURY'S has been given the go-ahead to open its first major supermarket in Barnsley creating up to 400 jobs.

The B and Q store at Stairfoot will close and be converted to a Sainsbury's, after a unanimous vote in favour from councillors at the town hall on Tuesday.

 

Planning officer Joe Jenkinson said: "It's in the public domain now that B and Q wants to consolidate this store with its Cortonwood store, which would mean a loss of up to 100 jobs. This (Sainsbury's) would bring in 400 jobs in terms of full-time equivalents."

Sainsbury's says all B and Q staff will be offered interviews for positions at the new store.

 

** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated July 18. **