Sainsbury's jobs pledge

Up to 150 jobs are set to be created after plans for the massive expansion of a Telford supermarket were unveiled.

Sainsbury's has announced plans to expand its store on the Forge Retail Park – and promised local jobseekers would be given priority when it filled the vacancies.

The scheme, being proposed in conjunction with The Junction, which owns the retail park in Colliers Way, includes a separate 4,500 sq feet building including two shopper cafes to provide facilities for other retail park customers.

Sainsbury's would see its sales floor space increase to 63,000 sq feet – more than one-and-half-times the size it is now – including relocating its cafe to a mezzanine level.

Christian Wakelin, Sainsbury's development executive, said: "The proposed extension will improve the shopping experience for our Telford customers, as well as creating a number of jobs for local residents."

Sainsbury's said up to 150 full and part-time jobs could be created and local jobseekers would get priority. The firm said it would work with the town's Jobcentre to recruit staff if the proposals get the green light.

The plans include a new customer entrance and toilets at the store and the introduction of an online shopping service.

A two-storey car park would be built next to the supermarket, with improvements to the existing car park layout. The on-site recycling centre would also be relocated.

Shoppers will get their chance to comment on the plans in-store between Saturday and February 15 with a planning application expected to be submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council in late spring. They will also be available to view online at www.sainsburystelford.co.uk

Mr Wakelin said: "We hope people will drop in and submit their views, which will be considered as part of our public consultation exercise."

David Wright, Labour MP for Telford, said it was "extremely good news" for the town which had been hit by at least 450 job losses since October.

"It looks like an amazing opportunity for growth in the town and is to be very much welcomed," he said.

"This kind of investment is very important, particularly in the current economic downturn, and it shows Telford continues to be a place where companies want to invest."

By Jo Cunningham