SMALL convenience shops in the Ribble Valley are booming, according to new figures.

More than 600 jobs have been created from 83 convenience stores in the Ribble Valley, the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) Local Shop Report said.

The figures show that the sector creates more jobs in the Ribble Valley than the regional average.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “I am greatly encouraged by these statistics, which show that there are 631 jobs being created at 83 stores in the Ribble Valley from the convenience sector.

“This is obviously a small part of the convenience store sector, which employs 386,000 people in the UK at a value of £37.4 billion to the economy, but the creation of each and every one of these jobs in the Ribble Valley is good news.

“As a former owner of convenience stores myself I know first-hand what an important community asset they are, bringing products, services, flexible employment and investment to every community in the Ribble Valley and I welcome their continued success.”

Clitheroe businessman and Ribble Valley councillor Kevin Horkin said the report made great reading for the area.

He said: “I welcome anything that stimulates jobs and creates a convenience for local people.

“Bearing in mind we are spread over a large area it is great we have got that investment from companies coming into the Valley providing a service to people.

“I think the report is a glowing endorsement of what we are doing here in the Ribble Valley.”

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The number of jobs that our sector provides really stands out in our report.

“Convenience stores now employ more than 386,000 people, giving local jobs to people of all ages and with a range of other commitments.”