A huge housing development off a controversial link road in Staffordshire was today hailed as a “much-needed” boost for the county’s job market.

The 700-home scheme for a huge site off Pye Green Road, Hednesford, announced by developer St Modwen today will bring more than 1,000 jobs during construction while teaching and shop posts will be created once complete.

Resident and Cannock Chase councillor Linda Whitehouse said the project was “very welcome”. It comes hot on the heels of the £50million Hednesford Gateway scheme which will transform the town centre, placing a Tesco superstore on stilts at its heart.

Councillor Whitehouse said: “It sounds promising. This sort of development is much-needed. If it’s going to bring employment to the area that’s very welcome given the high level of unemployment here.”

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