SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons says their new store will be an asset to Abergavenny.

Following news last week that Monmouthshire County Council selected Morrisons as the preferred developer for the cattle market site in the centre of the town, Morrisons has provided some initial details about the proposed scheme.

A spokeswoman for Morrisons revealed that there will be approximately 280 new full and part time jobs for local people, the proposed store, would have a sales area of approximately 25,000 sq ft, and include a shoppers' car park with almost 300 spaces.

The car park would operate as a short stay shoppers' car park to serve the needs of both the store and the town centre.

Speaking on behalf of Morrisons, development executive Mark Thompson said, "We are really pleased to have been selected to develop a new store in Abergavenny and are confident that a Morrisons store in this location will be a real asset to the town.

"Having just been notified of our selection, there is a lot to do before we are ready to submit a planning application, but we are committed to the project and are looking forward to bringing new jobs, Morrisons fresh food offer and excellent service to the people of Abergavenny.

"I would like to reassure local people that our scheme will be a bespoke design specifically for Abergavenny, with the intention of being sympathetic to the location.

"We also intend that our store will enhance and complement Abergavenny's existing retail strengths. Morrisons offers great value fresh food, with a wide variety of different ranges catering for all tastes.

"Significantly, unlike our competitors, Morrisons stores offer only a very modest non-food range, so our stores tend to complement typical High Street shops and services.

"In consultation with Monmouthshire County Council, we will begin preparing for the planning process straight away, and this will include extensive public consultation.

"We will announce further details as soon as we are able, including, in due course, confirmed dates for our public exhibition, which will take place before we submit a planning application," he added.