SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has revealed its plans to create 170 new jobs and 150 homes in Prestwich.

The leading retailer has now submitted a detailed application to Bury Council that will see the store extended by around 30 per cent, prompting the need for additional full-time staff.

And as part of the massive development, 150 houses and flats are to be built at the rear of store.

In addition to the store extension and housing development, which is to be undertaken by Wainhomes, Tesco also proposes to build three large shops, described as "non-food retail units", adjacent to the Post Office in Kingswood Road.

As first reported last October, the ambitious plans are part of a complete overhaul of the town centre and are intended to improve the link between Tesco, the Longfield Centre and other shops situated in the immediate area. A spokesman for Tesco, Mr Richard Petrie, said: "We are in the early stages at the moment but we hope for a quick resolution on the plans.

"We are looking forward to being able to offer the people of Prestwich a wider range of goods and services which is what they have been demanding. It is an exciting project that includes a quality development of a wide range of properties by Wainhomes, including some low cost housing."

Mr Petrie was unable to confirm which firms would be taking up residence in the new retail units but said: "We are in negotiation with some reputable companies."

He added the existing car park at Tesco would be changed to incorporate the improvements but the site would be increased by 50 spaces and all areas of the development would be "fully serviced" by pedestrian links.

Access to the retail park will remain as it is now via Bury New Road but Mr Petrie said a new access for motorists would be created solely for the housing development.

Plans for the multi-million pound development will be included in a public exhibition by Tesco, to be held at the Longfield Suite on Wednesday, January 31, Thursday, February 1 and Friday, February 2.

Mr Petrie added: "We really feel this is a positive move forward for Prestwich and we are taking an active role with local focus groups to look at better pedestrian links with the town centre."