Mad dash for jobs at Buckshaw

7:41am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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Hundreds of job seekers have applied for the first 30 posts at a new multi-million pound development in Chorley.

Bosses at the £45m Buckshaw Retirement Village say they are staggered by the response.

A total of 425 people are scrambling for the jobs at the Oakbridge Retirement Villages joint venture project.

Philip Hill, assistant operations director, said: "The response has been staggering, not just in the high number of applicants but also in the calibre of those applicants.

"It is even more amazing when you consider that the area has a relatively high level of employment."

The 30 new recruits - the first of more than 120 staff - will work at The Lodge, one of three distinct facilities which will make up the development.

The Lodge which will offer specialist facilities for older people with dementia, is due to open in May, and the new recruits will start work towards the end of April.

They have been recruited for the following positions - team leaders, care support workers, housekeepers, kitchen assistants, chefs and receptionists.

Mr Hill said: "There is an excellent skills base of labour in the Chorley and Leyland area and we are delighted with the response although we would still like to hear from more chefs. "