BOSSES at a new convenience store in Hampshire have been inundated with more than 250 applications, for just nine jobs.

The new Tesco Express store, on the corner of Lordswood Road and Coxford Road, in Southampton, attracted the huge number of applications, ahead of its opening later this month.

It meant that as many as 28 people were left competing for each of the full-time roles being offered by the supermarket giant.

Tesco chiefs said that all applicants being recruited for the positions are from “the local area,” bringing a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

Finishing touches are currently being put to the new store, which is being built on the former site of The Woodman pub.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Tesco snapped up the property in October last year after owners, Enterprise Inns, failed to find new landlords to keep the watering hole open.

Contractors began work on the property at the end of October, turning the building, which has stood on the site for more than a century, into the Tesco Express.

Store manager, Martin Wilson, said: “I was thrilled by the response we received to our recruitment drive.

“In this time of economic uncertainty, it is great that we are able to create jobs for our local community and help get people back into work.

“I am really pleased with my new team and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

The new store, which will feature a cash point, an on-site bakery and has a licence to sell alcohol, will open from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week.

Tesco bosses said the store would be ready to open by the end of February, although a date had not yet been set.

Meanwhile, another new Tesco Express store in Forton Road, Gosport received more than 100 applications for just 12 jobs.