THIRTY residents of a Southampton estate have been hired to work at a new home, leisure and garden store.

The Range opened its latest store on the new Antelope Park in Bursledon Road, Thornhill.

Itchen MP John Denham said he had helped ensure the jobs were created for local people working with store managers, the job centre and Working Links, an organisation that helps the long-term unemployed get back to work.

Mr Denham said: “It’s good to see developments such as the one at Antelope Park providing meaningful jobs for local people. Tackling unemployment is the essential first step in solving the social and economic problems that people in deprived areas such as Thorn-hill face.”

“The opening of The Range proves that even in a time of recession it is possible for local people to get the jobs they need. I know this will make a big difference to [their] lives.”

The Range has now asked Working Links to put forward more Thornhill residents for other positions in the store.