A DISCOUNT store is set to create up to 30 new jobs for local people when it opens in Pwllheli next month.

B&M Retail, which will be opening up in the former Co-op store on Lower Cardiff Road, will be creating 30 new jobs as well as keeping the existing 20 Co-op staff.

The announcement that the discount store was opening up in the town in October received mixed reviews.

Pwllheli town councillor Jonathan Roberts said he was concerned that the town was becoming “a town of charity and bargain stores”.

Cllr Michael Sol Owen, who represents Pwllheli North, has welcomed the news of the store opening but hopes the jobs being created won’t have a negative impact on other businesses in the town.

He said: “It’s good to hear that the new store is taking on staff from the previous Co-op store. However, I hope that the new shop will not be creating new jobs by eliminating work in already established businesses in the town.”

B&M has confirmed the jobs will involve a full-time and part-time positions.

A spokesperson for B&M said: “We’re feeling really positive about the creation of new jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store. We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our new customers through the door in a few weeks.”