Iceland to open in Cannock

Frozen food chain Iceland is opening a new store at Cannock's Linkway Retail Park, as bosses revealed the once-struggling site is now nearly full.

The move will create scores of new jobs in the area and leave only one vacant unit at the shopping park.

Just two years ago, Linkway, at the junction of the A5 and the A460, was nearly empty but has been boosted by Poundland, Dunelm and Brantano stores opening up over the course of last year.

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Once Iceland has opened, only one vacant unit will remain and agents say it is already under offer.

It will be the second Iceland branch in the town along with the existing site in Market Place. Work is expected to start to fit out the 7,500 sq ft unit in the coming weeks.

Brian Thompson, director of site agents Thompson Heaney, said: "It is good news and shows that we are nearly there.

"It has taken a long time but it is great to have another tenant on board and the last unit is currently under offer."

A total of 75 jobs have been created at the park in recent months as the new shops open to the public.

And Mr Thompson said the park was 'thriving' after the huge revamp.

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It was hit by the closures of Focus DIY and furniture chain DFS when a drive was launched to attract new businesses.

Other new stores at the park have created around 30 jobs each and Mr Thompson said a similar number would be expected from Iceland.

An Iceland spokeswoman refused to comment on the number of jobs but added: "We are hoping to open by the end of the year."

Cannock Council leader George Adamson said: "This is brilliant news.

"It is more investment in the town and shows that things are moving in the right direction.

"Cannock is starting to take off and I'm really pleased to hear about this.

"That retail park was almost derelict a few years ago so it has come a long way."