600 apply for 200 jobs at Mid Wales store

More than 600 people have applied for 200 new jobs at a Mid Wales supermarket which is set to open next month.

Tesco will be opening in Llandrindod Wells on July 19, with the retail giant saying it has been swamped by applicants.

The company has also confirmed it will re-submit plans for a supermarket in Machynlleth after it withdrew its current proposals when the Welsh Assembly voiced concerns about road safety.

The new store in Waterloo Road, Llandrindod Wells, will create 200 full and part time jobs, with Tesco saying it worked with the local job centre in the recruitment process, as well as advertising locally.

The store also visited Aberystwyth University, resulting in Tesco employing 20 students for summer work and two candidates working towards the Tesco graduate management programme.

The recruitment process is now finished and James Geddes, store manager, said the number of applications was overwhelming.

He said: "In this time of economic uncertainty, it is great that we are able to create jobs and help get people back into work. The quality of applicants was fantastic and I am delighted with my new team."

In Machynlleth, Tesco said it would revisit its plans in the light of issues raised by the public and officials in the assembly.

It plans to create 140 full and part-time jobs in the town. Assembly government officials became involved in the plans because it is on a trunk road, saying the development would compromise safety for road users.

But Mark Thorne of Tesco said: "We have had a very positive response from the town, particularly from those who wish to see regeneration on the site, and those who travel miles to do their main food shopping.

"We are going to take the opportunity to revisit our plans in the light of issues raised by the public and by the National Assembly for Wales.

"We regret the delay but agree that it is important to submit the best possible application.

"We will resubmit our new plans in the near future as we cannot deal with changes in the scope of the present application."

By Andrew Morris