NEARLY 200 jobs will be created with the opening of new foodstore in Tyldesley.

Somerfield has announced it will operate the proposed store, off Shuttle Street.

The store will be constructed in partnership with Cheshire-based joint developers Bushwing plc and Pochin (Contractors) Ltd.

Outline planning permission has already been received for the former Barnfield Mill site and a detailed planning application is now being considered by Wigan Council.

The development will comprise the construction of a 16,000 sq ft sales store area.

It will stock around 12,000 product lines including Somerfield's 'basics' range which provides savings of up to 50% on over 100 shopping essentials.

Features planned include an in-house bakery, delicatessen and rotisserie, customer toilets with baby changing facilities, cashpoint machines and 191 free car parking spaces.

Somerfield property director, Philip Coates said:

"Many people in Tyldesley currently travel outside the town to do their shopping.

"Our store will help trade to stay within the town, which will benefit other shops and businesses.

"The scheme means that people will no longer have to travel outside the town and this is particularly important to the elderly and those who do not have access to a car.

"The store will provide around 180 jobs for local people, which is great news for Tyldesley.

Subject to the necessary planning consents, work on the store is expected to begin in September and will open in April next year.

Somerfield and joint developers Bushwing plc/Pochin (Contractors) Ltd are staging an exhibition for the public to view the proposed scheme and question members of the development team.

The exhibition will be in a shop unit at 3 Shuttle Street, close to the site on Friday and Saturday, August 15-16 from 10am-4pm.

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