SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury’s is planning on opening a store and creating 150 new jobs in Moreton.

The proposals, unveiled this morning, include a small supermarket and a petrol station on land to the south of Fosseway Avenue, next to the A429.

Before submitting a planning application to Cotswold District Council, Sainsbury’s will be consulting with local groups and representatives on the store’s design and how it could complement the town centre.

Ben Littman, regional development executive for Sainsbury’s, said: “Moreton is an important market town in the Cotswolds with a rich local history.

“Sainsbury’s has experience of building stores that successfully complement historic towns and we find that local people have the best ideas on how we can work together.

“This is why we are talking to people early to get their views and inform the plans.

Our recent survey showed 80 per cent of local people currently leave the town to do their main weekly food shop, so we believe that a Sainsbury’s can keep those people shopping in Moreton.

“This would directly support jobs in Moreton and could encourage more linked shopping trips to the town centre.”

Over the coming months, the chain plans to work with local residents, community groups, businesses and elected representatives as part of the consultation while a public exhibition is planned for early in the New Year.