MORE than 240 people applied for just six vacancies at a new store opening in Ebbw Vale, the retailer has revealed.

BrightHouse, which opens on Thursday in The Walk Retail Centre, were forced to cut the applicants by more than a quarter to draw up a shortlist after they found 40 people were applying for each job.

Councillor Brian Clements, of Ebbw Vale South ward, said: “It’s very sad that so many people applied for so few jobs. But it does bring a myth to the fact that people aren’t prepared to work.”

Six candidates have now been hired from a shortlist of 50 people and are now training in preparation for the store’s opening day on Thursday, August 7.

The store specialises in the sale of domestic appliances, electronics and household furniture where customers can pay over a period.

Mark Whittle, Sales Advisor at BrightHouse, said: “I couldn’t believe how tough the competition was for the positions, and I’m really pleased to be joining the new store at the heart of the community”

Adam Saunders, manager of the store, said: “It’s been exciting to get to know our chosen six colleagues after so many people applied for the roles.

“We’ve got a great team in place who I’m confident will provide first class customer service to the Ebbw Vale community.”