Homes shop to create 45 jobs

More than 45 jobs will be created by a new homeware store due to open in the Black Country in the spring.

The UK's largest branch of HomeSense is due to open at Merry Hill retail park in Dudley at the end of May.

Applications for the vacancies, which are a mixture of full-and part-time positions, are now being accepted.

Brierley Hill councillor Margaret Wilson said the news was "fantastic".

"It is a really positive sign that things are picking up again and companies are willing to invest in Dudley," she said.

"Brierley Hill in particular is a great place to invest, it has a lot of potential, and after so many people have lost their jobs recently it's wonderful that some will be able to get back into work."

HomeSense will breathe new life into the former Allied Carpets, which closed in August alongside 142 others across the country after the company went into administration in July.

Allied shops at the Merry Hill retail park in Brierley Hill, Stafford, Telford and the firm's former West Bromwich HQ closed, with the loss of around 24 jobs.

HomeSense spokeswoman Victoria Wright said the company was looking to fill vacancies at every level, from shop floor workers to tore managers. Applications are being handled by the Job Centre in Dudley.