MORE than 200 jobs will be created if a planned new motorway service area near Basingstoke gets the green-light.

Moto Hospitality Ltd, Britain’s biggest service area operator, is hoping to build the new site at Junction 6 of the M3 and has launched a public consultation on the project.

Basingstoke residents will get a chance to have their say on the proposals next week when the project team holds two public consultations.

The first is on Monday, July 3 between 4.30pm and 8pm, at Queen Mary Hall, Queen Mary’s College in Cliddesden Road. The second will take place on Wednesday, July 5 from 9am to 7pm, at a pop-up kiosk on Hollins Walk, near the customer service desk in the Festival Place shopping centre.

The new service area brings with it the prospect of 215 permanent jobs, plus, it is hoped, many more in the local supply chain and during the construction phase.

Mark Franks, Moto’s property director, said: “This proposed service area will provide an important rest stop for what is a major route. In addition to providing that much needed facility, our plans will bring many new jobs as well as helping to secure investment in the local economy. We are delighted to consult with the people of Basingstoke and look forward to hearing their thoughts on the plans.”

Members of the public can also leave feedback and find answers to their questions at the project’s website: moto-basingstokeservices.com , which will be updated throughout the consultation process.