Tesco 'boosts town's housing market'

The impending arrival of Tesco in Newtown has given the town's housing market a welcome shot in the arm, a property boss revealed today.

Inquiries from people interested in setting up home in Newtown have increased since the retail giant announced it was coming to the town, Tom Carter, manager of McCartneys in Newtown, said.

Mr Carter said: "We've seen an increase in people interested in both buying and renting in Newtown.

"The Tesco development is big news for the town, and is set to create up to 300 jobs. Obviously there will be people new to the area, moving here to work, and they will all need places to live. The level of interest in Newtown has definitely gone up."

Councillor Sue Lawson said the property market boost was just one of the spin-off benefits which Tesco would bring to the town.

Work is now under way on the new supermarket, which is being built on the site of the former cattle market in Pool Road.

Part of the work involves the demolition of homes to the side of Pool Road which has led to one lane of the road being closed off.