Last updated 20:03, Thursday, 17 July 2008

NINE new jobs have been created as Workington’s latest shop gets ready to open tomorrow.

X Catalogue will open on Campbell Savours Way.

The shop is part of a national chain which sells surplus mail order stock at a reduced price.

Products include clothes, footwear, home items and leisure goods.

Tracy Sharp, of Workington will manage the store and the other jobs have been given to local people.

David Jones, general manager of X Catalogue, said: “The unit has been fitted out, is fully equipped and ready to open at 9.30am.”

More than 100,000 people pass through Washington Square every week, say developers Riddelltps and agent Martin O’Rourke, who works on behalf of shop owners, said he was delighted with the 90 per cent occupancy rate.

He said: “We continue to strive to give the people of West Cumbria a shopping centre to be proud of, with a good mix that benefits the whole community.“We expect the number of stores will draw more and more people to use the Washington Square centre.”

Allerdale council has commissioned consultants to look at a £25,000 marketing strategy for the centre and encourage more visitors - not just shoppers.

The council’s scrutiny committee looked at the town centre following concerns raised about the number of empty shops and complaints about parking in the area.