SUPERMARKET GIANT Tesco today pledged to give priority to local people for 350 jobs that will be created if its plan for a store in Oswestry gets the go-ahead.

Councillors will meet next week to look again at three planning applications for superstores in the town. Tesco is behind plans for a store and cinema on the site of the Richard Burbidge factory.

Shropshire Council’s strategic planning committee is holding a special meeting in Oswestry next Thursday, to discuss the Burbidge plans along with a store and cinema scheme for part of the livestock market and plans for a smaller supermarket on land own by GT Hughes and Guttercrest off Victoria Road.

Today Tesco, which has joined forces with Richard Burbidge, said if permission was granted all the jobs, from management to sales assistant positions, would be recruited through a local employment partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

In addition, Tesco’s wage bill is expected to contribute more than £3.5 million to the local economy year-on-year.

Sophie Akokhia, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “Our commitment will help support the long-term unemployed, single parents and those on incapacity benefits in Oswestry.

“Once people join Tesco, we will also strive to give all employees the support and training they need to harness their potential. Many of our senior leaders started their career in store.

“Securing planning consent would also enable Richard Burbidge to relocate its long-running business within Oswestry, safeguarding the jobs of its 260 local employees. In addition, the Reel cinema would provide more than 50 new roles and the proposed restaurant units would create a further 30 jobs.

“We believe our proposal will greatly benefit Oswestry – both now and in the future – and await the committee’s decision.”

A fourth supermarket application, for a store and cinema on the Central car park, was refused this year.

Developer, JR Pickstock has appealed against the refusal.

By Sue Austin