FELIXSTOWE: Hundreds of new jobs will be created if supermarket giant Tesco is allowed to open a new store on the edge of the town, it was revealed today.

The Walton Green Partnership, which is promoting the development along with 250 new homes, says the store and business units will provide up to 300 jobs plus many more in the construction industry.

Debate over the project for a 30-acre field in Walton High Street is already underway with residents being asked to give their views to help finalise the master plan.

Landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, which owns 3,400 acres on the Felixstowe peninsula, and Tesco have set up a website so people can voice their opinions.

Tim Collins, a partner in Bidwells, which manages the Trimley Estate for Trinity College, said: “I think the jobs are very positive news for the area and with the housing set to be phased over several years, the construction jobs will be here for a quite a while, too.

“Tesco says a store of the size currently proposed should create 250 to 300 jobs but the full details still have to be worked out.

“At this stage the crucial thing is to have a dialogue with the public and we really want people to get involved, visit the website, look at the proposals and let us have their views”

The full planning application will not be submitted until next spring, and the partnership insists the public has the chance to influence the final design and make the development “something the community can be really proud of”.

It says it will take people’s view into account and include their ideas if possible.

? The website can be found at www.waltongreen.co.uk