MORE than 50 jobs are to be created in Darwen as Capita expands its TV Licensing operation in the town.

The jobs, for back office administration personnel, will start in the New Year.

A Capita spokesman said 230 new jobs had been created in Darwen this year, primarily in the call centre. The firm is also recruiting 20 new inbound call handlers.

Although good news for Darwen, the jobs come as Capita closed down its facility in Bristol.

Sunnyhurst councillor Brian Taylor, who works at Capita, was delighted.

He said: “The news of the additional full-time administration jobs to be created in January is excellent news for the local economy.

“It just proves that Blackburn with Darwen really is open for business.

“Not only will we benefit from the direct jobs created, but the knock-on effects for shops, cafes and fast-food outlets is truly encouraging.

“I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Coun Tom Evans said: “I don’t think they are going to be particularly good quality jobs but people are desperate for work at the moment so it’s better than nothing. I’m very pleased that jobs are being created, but I have mixed feelings.

“People are struggling all over the country and the loss of jobs at their Bristol branch is indicative of this, we need a whole plan in place for the economy.”

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but Darwen needs much more than 50 new jobs, it needs a lot better jobs and a lot better wages for its people.”

Capita will be holding an open recruitment event at India Mill on Wednesday, November 28, for anyone who is interested in finding out more about these roles.