The silver lining to the grey cloud of redundancy has shone on the new B&Q store at Whitfield.

Construction has resumed on the project, which was mothballed last year, and an anticipated opening date of April 3 has been announced.

The store’s manager David Fowle, who is presently in charge at Whitstable, said 40 service-based jobs ranging from till operators, shop floor assistants and warehouse positions will be created.

“We are one of the few employers who are recruiting at the moment which is a good thing bearing in mind the recent job losses in the town,” he said.

“There will be no redundancies from the Bench Street store and the complete team are moving up to Whitfield,” he added.

The new store will boast an improved range of home furnishings and opening hours will be extended from 7am for trade customers until 9pm for shoppers.

It is also thought its presence at the industrial estate will improve footfall in other shops in the area.