“Aycliffe Shopping Centre have approved the temporary use of one if its empty retail units in support of a joint effort by local uniformed services.  Positioned on the same side of the High Street as Wilkinson’s and Barclays the Army Reserves from Northfield Way have created an information hub for visitors to learn more about the opportunities available at 124 Recovery Company REME, as well as D Rifles Company in Durham and 50 Signals Squadron from Darlington.
The empty unit has been loaned for a month at no charge, thanks to the Shopping Centre Management Board and Bryan Haldane the Centre Manager and is open from 1000-1400 Tuesday – Friday.
Gavin Laycock, the local PCSO on the Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team is also planning PACT and anti-theft and anti- vandalism activities, so keep an eye out on their Facebook Page (Newton Aycliffe Police) for more details.
Support for the information hub is growing, and the key purpose is to raise awareness that the Army Reserves is actively recruiting for part time positions, available for eligible applicants aged between 18 and 49.  With a minimum commitment of just 27 days per year and with qualifications such as B and C driving licences or BTECs in Engineering or Communications technology at no cost to the individual it can prove really useful in the search for a better paid civilian job.
The shop is manned by qualified recruiters who are on hand to discuss the application process and arrange a visit to one of the local Army Reserve units so you can meet our Army Reservists and have a look at the equipment and facilities.
If you would like to email us before popping down we can be reached at aycliffereserves@gmail.com or you can call 01325 375000.
It is hoped that the town finds the information hub useful and would support us coming back later in the Spring and Summer to run activities on the High Street.
Please drop by at our Facebook Page and give our pop up shop post a like, search Facebook for 124 Recovery Company REME.”