Big assembly job advert response

The office will cater for 535 staff and is expected to open next year

There has been a huge response to adverts placed by the Welsh Assembly Government for jobs at its new office in Aberystwyth, which opens next year.

Officials said 170 people had recently applied for 30 posts at the £20m building at Parc-y-Llyn in the town.

The office will cater for 535 staff and a range of departments with the focus being on countryside and rural issues.

Workers from the Forestry Commission and Countryside Council for Wales will also be based there.

The building is expected to open next year, but in the meantime the assembly government has acquired some temporary offices at the Crown Building in Aberystwyth.

Officials said this would support a "phased transfer of posts from Cardiff and allow teams to be established in the area ahead of the new office opening".

'High quality'

The assembly government said it was impressed by the level of interest in the jobs on offer at Aberystwyth.

More than 380 people attended an information session a few weeks ago in the town, and following that officials received more than 170 applications.

Of the 30 successful candidates, some have already been offered posts with the remainder placed on a reserve list, said a spokesman.

Welsh Assembly Government human resources adviser Emma Bennett added: "The sessions were really useful and provided much needed support to people who are interested in working for the Welsh Assembly Government.

"I'm really pleased that over 380 people attended on the day. This reflects the level of interest in high-quality public sector jobs that exists in the area."

Last year, 27 positions were filled and a further 26 posts have been advertised since April this year.

More vacancies are expected later this year and in 2009.