Hobbycraft store bringing 40 jobs to Telford retail park

Forty jobs will be created in Telford after Hobbycraft was given permission for an extension to allow it to open a new store in the town.

The arts and crafts store will open at the Telford Bridge Retail Park. Last night borough councillors gave the company full backing for its planning application to add a mezzanine extension to one of the units in the retail park to allow it to stock its full range of products.

Members of Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board were all in favour of the scheme, which will see Hobbycraft taking over the unit currently occupied by the Bed Shed Clearance Company.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds said: "I think it's an excellent proposal and an excellent addition to the town centre. I think it would be good for the town."

And Councillor Nigel Dugmore added: "I'm always happy to support new business and I think this is something different and something that will support other businesses in the town."

Work to create the mezzanine would be expected to begin as soon as the unit becomes available, with Hobbycraft opening before the end of the year.

The firm said the extension would improve the store for customers.

In its application a spokesman said: "The additional floor space will enable Hobbycraft to display and stock its full range of products to avoid customer dissatisfaction, wasted trips to the store and the need for repeat visits by customers and the requirement for additional service deliveries.

"It will provide the retail environment expected by its customers providing sufficient space for the display of bulkier items, better quality product displays and more comfortable circulation space."