THREE hundred jobs could be created if Tesco supermarket opens a new store in Farnworth.

Tesco has been revealed as the company behind a planning application for a site off Longcauseway.

And the store would have an extra focus on helping to regenerate the area, even targeting new jobs at those most in need.

A planning application for a Tesco Extra 'Regeneration Partnership' store is currently with Bolton Council for consideration.

And it comes just weeks after Tesco embarked on a consultation to increase the size of its Tesco Extra store in Horwich — a move that would lead to a further 300 jobs.

The proposed Farnworth development would also create in excess of 300 permanent new jobs for the area, with the majority of new employees recruited locally. At least half of the new jobs would be filled by long term unemployed through a local partnership scheme which Tesco plans to set up with training and other agencies in the local areas.

The cash injection from the sale of the land to Tesco would also help secure the future of the two local businesses on the site, including Newfoil Limited, who would be able to relocate its business within Farnworth securing the future of its existing 50 strong workforce.

Tesco corporate affairs manager Jennifer Duncan said: “Tesco wants to work with local people in Farnworth to provide sustainable job opportunities and help aid the continued regeneration of the area."

A spokesman for Bolton at the Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Anything that creates this number of jobs in an area that is in desperate need of employment, is to be welcomed."