PLANS to create new jobs at a major Hampshire distribution hub have been revealed.

Tesco said it will create more than 70 roles at its distribution centre off Test Lane in Nursling which currently employs 500 people.

Under the plans, the new jobs will include 20 driver roles and 50 warehouse positions.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “We are recruiting 50 warehouse colleagues and 20 HGV drivers at our Southampton Distribution Centre in Nursling.

“The expansion is part of Tesco’s investment in the distribution centre to meet local demand and better serve shoppers in and around Southampton.”

The announcement follows news that pre-tax profits at the supermarket giant were up to £562m in the second quarter of this year, compared with £72m in the same period last year, with Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis describing the figures as a “transformation”.

Mark Baulch, head of policy and representation at the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news. He said: “It is great to hear that Tesco may be bringing further employment opportunities to the Nursling area.

“It will be good for the local economy, from retailers, hoteliers and bars to museums, gardens and theme parks to have the opportunity of a good amount of money being injected into the local economy through the creation of additional jobs.

“It also reinforces the message that Hampshire is a great place to do business and that there continues to be investment opportunities here.”

But Denise Wyatt, the leader of Southampton IndependentsShe said: “I am delighted that there are more jobs being

created but what about the

air pollution and where are the local jobs and apprenticeships?

“We want to see more local training and local jobs for Southampton residents.

“Speaking with other haulers in Nursling, there is a shortage of trained drivers, they have solved this by recruiting and training local people including the long-term unemployed, so why not Tesco?”