WORK on a new supermarket for Bourton-on-the-Water has officially got underway.

A sod cutting ceremony was held at the site for the new Co-operative Food store in Station Road, which will replace the one currently in the area.

The state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot store will be creating 60 new jobs for Cotswold residents, and is expected to open in the autumn of 2017.

The store will be energy efficient, and include a number of locally sourced products from neighbouring counties.

The larger store will also include free customer parking for around 100 shoppers.

Ben Reid, chief executive of the Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We have been serving the community of Bourton-on-the-Water for a number of years and are delighted that we have got the opportunity to improve the service we can offer.

“The increased store size will have a range of products based on our very successful store in Chipping Norton.

“This will include a full range of premium products alongside local products which we believe reflects the needs of the community.”

The current store will remain open until the new one launches, and current employees will be able to transfer.