Hundreds apply for Welshpool Tesco jobs

Up to 600 people applied for the 189 jobs at Welshpool's new 24-hour Tesco store, bosses revealed today.

The supermarket chain will be opening the new store in Smithfield Road on March 14 and said today its recruitment drive had proved very successful

The store has employed 100 Welshpool residents, while people from the neighbouring towns and villages have filled the remaining 89 job vacancies.

The store recruited through the Welshpool Job Centre Plus and adverts in newspapers, and bosses said today the "successful recruitment drive" had also employed 15 job seekers who had been out of work for six months or more.

Store manager Linda McGill said: "Community is really important to me which is why we ensured so many of the new jobs created were given to people living in Welshpool.

"The standard of applicants was fantastic and I'm so pleased the opening of the store has resulted in so many local residents gaining employment."

The store will also benefit from a dedicated community champion, Ruth Wright.

Ruth, who has lived in Welshpool all her life, will work with the local community, looking at ways in which Tesco can help local charities, schools, organisations and projects.

The zero carbon new store will offer hot chicken, fresh fish and meat counters, indian and chinese takeaway dishes, a delicatessen and a bakery providing fresh products in store every day.

There will also be a wide selection of non-food ranges, including clothing, health and beauty, home entertainment, electricals, toys, stationery, homeware, cookware and a selection of mobile phones.

The new store will open on March 14 at 8am.

Councillor Estelle Bleivas the Mayor of Welshpool, added: "The town council has supported the new retail park and one way system following much public consultation.

"I look forward to seeing it when it is all completed," she said.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said he hoped the store would attract dozens of extra shoppers into the town. "Welshpool is facing some major changes and the town is going to see some big changes. It's very exciting," he said.

By Anwen Evans