ELECTRICAL firm Comet has closed its store in Newport's Harlech retail park and moved to new larger premises on the city's outskirts.

The Comet store quit its Cardiff Road base for premises less than a mile away, at 28 East Retail Park, Docks Way, Maesglas - by the Big W store. The move, which created an extra 32 jobs, was welcomed by Newport city council.

A spokeswoman said: "Comet's move from Harlech Retail Park presents an opportunity for a new retailer to come into Newport.

"Harlech Retail Park is a particularly good trading site in the city."

A spokeswoman for Comet said the move was an investment for the people of Newport, despite leaving a unit vacant.

The new £1.1 million store has retained its existing 32 members of staff, and employed a further 32.

She added Comet would be investing £64,000 on a four-week training programme for staff.

Martin Smith, Newport store manager, said: "In order to give our customers the best possible shopping experience we need to invest in our staff."

He added the investment in training at the new Comet store showed the commitment to employees and customers.

Mr Smith said: "The whole investment package is a fantastic good news story for the people of Newport."

* Yesterday the Argus revealed plans for a new call centre at the Celtic Springs business park, that will create 600 jobs.