THIS is an artist's impression of the proposed new 10,000 square foot Tesco store in Coleford.

Developer Clive Bath claims the new store will be an opportunity to 'claw back' some of the trade going to other Forest towns and bolster the town's economic fortunes.

Well known local developer, Mr Bath, of P & D Builders said: "For the last 10 years the council has acknowledged that another major food retail chain in Coleford will help strengthen the town's shopping offer.

"The proposed site for the foodstore adjacent to Pyart Court is within the town centre and we are proposing significant investment to enhance the pedestrian links between the site and Market Square."

Sophie Akokhia, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "Tesco is committed to working with local traders to ensure that the town has a healthy economy. We have already met the Coleford Business Association and are eager to work with them to ensure that there is a healthy circulation of shoppers in the town.

"As part of the scheme we will be introducing 87 car parking spaces which will be free for two hours. We are also looking at other measures that will help strengthen the town centre and create a strong relationship between the new store and the existing shops."

•If granted planning permission, Tesco's 10,000 square feet foodstore will predominantly sell food including local produce and will create around 60 full and part-time jobs. The building will be of a sustainable design and will be built by Forest-based builders using predominantly local materials.

You can see plans for the new Tesco on Friday April 15 from 1pm to 7pm and Saturday April 16 from 10am to 2pm at Coleford Town Council offices. Members of the development team will be on hand to answer questions.