The creation of 180 jobs in a Mid Wales town will provide a welcome boost to an area which has the highest unemployment rate in Powys, it was claimed today.

Building work has begun on clearing a site for Tesco in Llandrindod Wells, which a councillor says could help revitalise the economy of the area.

The builders have already been to the former Setton & Durwood factory site in Waterloo Road in the town, knocking down the factory to make way for the development.

Tesco has not yet revealed a target opening date, but Councillor Sarah Millington, county member for Llandrindod South said she could not wait for the opening.

She said: “I am so pleased that work is under way on bringing Tesco to Llandrindod Wells, as it will bring so many jobs to a town that is in dire need of them.

“Just last month statistics showed part of the town had the highest amount of people claiming unemployment benefit in Powys and the residents here are desperate to work, it is not as if they are not looking.

“The arrival of Tesco will bring 180 jobs to the area, which we will all be celebrating, it can’t come soon enough.”

Councillor Millington added the arrival of the store should also provide a boost to other businesses in the town.

“I think Tesco will bring in shoppers from other places such as Builth Wells, Rhayader, Llanidloes, Crossgates and other nearby areas,” she said.

“It may prove to be a great boost for the town in general and I am looking forward to hearing a target date for opening.”

In total, more than 850 jobs will be created in Mid Wales over the next few years with the opening of five Tesco stores.

The store giant said plans were in various stages to open supermarkets in Newtown, Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais.

Felix Gummer, Tesco spokesman, said: “Proposals for all five of the stores are at very different stages.

“We’re hoping work on the Newtown development will start in the next few months but work to clear the site at Llandrindod Wells has already started.”

About 210 jobs will be created at Newtown.

By Andrew Morris