Jobs are expected to be created in Shropshire and Mid Wales over the next two to three years despite fears of a deepening recession.

Nearly 300 jobs have already been created across the region in the last three months. Companies in Shropshire have created more than 250 jobs since October, mainly in the Bridgnorth area where Marks & Spencer opened a Simply Food store with 45 new posts.

Bridgnorth Aluminium also brought in 30 new workers in November.

The Lions Quays Country Club and Spa in Oswestry also created 70 jobs when it opened in November.

And the forecast for job creation for 2009/2010 also looks promising, despite the recession which was officially confirmed last Friday.

Shropshire and Mid Wales is expected to see the creation of more than 1,300 jobs over the next two years thanks to new investment by superstores Tesco, B&Q and Aldi as well as county companies undergoing expansion.

The biggest number of jobs available will be at the new Tesco store in Newtown with 340 posts on offer and there will be a further 150 at the supermarket’s new Ellesmere store.

Elements Europe in Oswestry, which makes ready-made rooms for building projects, hopes to create 300 jobs by 2010. 

It plans to double its 100-strong workforce in the next 12 months.

Premier Medical in Ludlow anticipates adding an extra 150 to its workforce.

The country’s largest provider of medical reports, mainly for the insurance industry, is planning a major expansion of its services at its base at Ludlow Eco Park.

Around 130 jobs will be available at two new care homes in the county and the opening of the new B&Q in Shrewsbury this year will see an additional 70 jobs for the county.

By Business Editor Amy Bould