PRUDHOE’S Front Street has been described as thriving, with the latest new business set to open next month, bringing with it 17 new jobs.

Heron Foods will open in the former premises of The Original Factory Shop on May 13, following the closure of the store at the end of last year.

Meanwhile Northumberland County Council officers have approved planning permission for six one-bedroom flats in the space above the shop.

Mayor of Prudhoe, Coun. Tracy Gilmore, said: “We are a town which is not suffering – there are no empty shops and we are thriving. More people are moving into areas with leisure and housing as well as shops, so it’s fantastic to have the flats above the shops. The shop has created jobs for local people in Prudhoe, and obviously there’s a big thing about the development at the bottom (in Low Prudhoe) which is fantastic, but people are always talking about how we need to focus on the high street – so this is a great opportunity for Prudhoe’s Front Street.”

Heron Foods sells frozen food as well as brand-named stock at discount prices and it will be officially opened by a representative from the nearby Relate charity shop, with a cheque for £250 given as a donation.

Colin Ford, store manager at the new Heron Foods, said: “We’re really excited to be opening a new Heron Foods store in Prudhoe. Not only will it be a convenient grocery store to serve the community, but we are also boosting local employment, with the creation of 17 jobs.”