BOSSES at Tesco say they will put a local employment partnership in place if a new superstore is built at Felixstowe to ensure jobs go to people from the immediate area.

Richard Cornwell

BOSSES at Tesco say they will put a local employment partnership in place if a new superstore is built at Felixstowe to ensure jobs go to people from the immediate area.

The store giant also says one of its policies is helping the long-term unemployed.

It is working with landowners Trinity College on plans for a 60,000 sq ft store on a field north of Walton High Road.

The development will also include 250 houses, including sheltered homes for the elderly, a 60-bed hotel, pub, private medical facility, three small shops and three small business units and a waste/energy centre.

There would also be a new road through the site linking High Road and Candlet Road, the Walton by-pass off the A14.

Nick Gellatly, of Tesco, said: “It's too early to confirm the position on jobs for Felixstowe but we will certainly get involved with Jobcentre Plus there to make sure a local employment partnership is in place giving local people the best chance of a job with us.”

He said the store would enable people who currently travel to Tesco Martlesham Heath to shop in Felixstowe, and would attract others from around the area to not only shop at the superstore but also visit attractions and other shops at the resort.

Proposals for such a large store though are worrying the chamber of trade, who believe a big development could hit the town centre, and also some councillors.

Mike Ninnmey said: “The consultants who drew up a masterplan for Felixstowe identified this site as the only place in the town we could have an industrial development which could provide alternative employment to the port.

“It's a prime site for that sort of scheme and we must not lose it to a superstore.”

Doreen Savage said: “I don't think we need another large supermarket. Lidl has only just opened. I think a big Tesco would have a knock-on effect on the town centre.”