Jobs boost as DIY store moves

The Mayor and Mayoress, councillors Jim McArdle and Kay Knox, with Youth Mayor Mohammed Adil, unveil a plaque after officially opening the new Wickes store

DIY store Wickes has relocated to a new site in Oldham — and brought a jobs boost.

The retailer has moved from Ellen Street, Westwood, to Larch Street, Werneth, and created 14 jobs in the process.

Bosses say the new and improved site is bigger and better — including a 10,000 sq ft garden project centre, an improved showroom and additional product lines.

The Oldham store is one of 195 across the country — and the seventh to open this year, which bosses say further enhances its position as one of the UK’s leading home improvement retailers.

Store manager Lee Ashworth said: “We are really excited about the new store, as it means we will be able to provide our customers with a greater choice of affordable products as well as creating much-needed local jobs.”

Wickes operations director David Furness said: “The new store is a major investment in the area and plays a significant role in our investment programme.”