New pub to create 30 jobs

Thirty jobs will be created when a new pub opens in Shrewsbury next month, managers revealed today. And many of the positions could go to Jobcentre Plus candidates.JD Wetherspoon today said the jobs would be created when it opens a Lloyds No 1 bar on the Bar Med site in Lower Claremont Bank.

The company bought the site after the former Laurel leasehold pub went into administration.

When the pub opens it will be the second run by JD Wetherspoon in the town, as the firm already runs The Shrewsbury Hotel. A third is planned to be opened in the Pride Hill Shopping Centre next year.

The Lloyds No 1 bar, called Montgomery's Tower, is due to open on August 18.

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for JD Wetherspoon, said the new jobs would be a mixture of full and part-time.

He said: "The Shrewsbury Hotel has been established in the town for almost 10 years and we were keen to open more pubs in Shrewsbury.

"The outlet at Pride Hill mall is still on schedule and due to open early next year. However, the former Bar Med at Lower Claremont Bank came up for sale, it is a very good site and was too good to miss.

"We acted quickly, have invested time and money in the redevelopment, and are confident that the Montgomery's Tower will be another good pub for the people of Shrewsbury."

The firm has signed a pledge with Jobcentre Plus which will offer positions at the new pub to jobseekers within the local community who may have found it difficult to return to work.

David Gregg, manager for JD, said: "We are working very closely with Jobcentre Plus on our recruitment for the new opening."