Jobs on way at new Walsall Co-op branch

Jobs will be created when a new Co-op store opens on the site of a former car dealership in Walsall by this autumn.

Demolition of the old Vauxhall Motors site in Fullbrook is now under way under plans to replace it with a 3,000 sq ft shop.

Hoardings have been placed around the site promoting the opening of the Midcounties Co-operative in November this year.

The Steve Thompson dealership was empty for two years after shutting in 2010 with the loss of 20 jobs. It had been trading for 40 years but failed to find a new buyer.

It has not been revealed how many jobs will be created at this stage but construction will take place over the coming months.

The plans for the land on the corner of the Broadway and Hawes Road were agreed by Walsall Council and have been hailed as a big boost to the area.

Regeneration chief councillor Adrian Andrew said: "It is good a derelict site is being invested in and by a significant company like Co-op.

"It will bring employment opportunities for local people."