An Amazon delivery station in Hedge End is set to bring 160 new jobs to Hampshire

Amazon has launched the new base in Hedge End where parcels can be dropped off, ready to be picked-up by local delivery firms, boosting their businesses.

The global internet giant pledges to create at least 160 new jobs - including 20 onsite and recruit 140 drivers working with eight local independent delivery companies delivering parcels to Amazon customers nationwide.

Now politicians and business leaders have hailed the development as "fantastic" saying it will boost the county's economy and bring extra opportunities for local businesses.

But they warn more needs to be done to ensure online shopping does not eclipse the high street.

The station, due to open this month, is Amazon Logistics' 14th UK delivery station.

Amazon Logistics, launched in 2012 is a technology and logistics platform, enabling UK independent local, regional and national delivery companies to deliver Amazon parcels to customers seven days a week.

It follows the firm recording a four-fold boom in Sunday deliveries in the past year - partly fuelled by the service.

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies, pictured below, welcomed the extra jobs and said: "It's fantastic and another sign of the economy in the Eastleigh constituency going in the right direction.

"Hedge End has a buzzing retail sector and it's no surprise that Amazon wanted to set up there."

But she warned soaring internet shopping should not be at the expense of the high street, adding: "There needs to be a good mix of independent and high street chains and its important we protect our high streets."

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith hailed it as "good news" adding: "The best way to get our residents out of poverty is to get them into work. There is more to do but we are making progress."

Hampshire County Council cabinet member for the economy Cllr Sean Woodward and said: "It's good to see new jobs in the area. Online shopping is a boom area which has an important role alongside traditional high streets."

Eastleigh Borough Council cabinet member for business Cllr Suzy Hamel said it will boost the local economy.

David Webb, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Central South Hampshire denied the internet giant's presence would harm high street stores, stressing local firms can benefit.

He added: "More employment means more workers with money to spend and they are going to be shopping and buying things locally.

"There are some things people can buy online and some they can't.

"Many of our members trade with Amazon too."

Amazon Logistics UK director Jamie Stephenson said the service benefits customers through extra capacity and flexibility to the firms' delivery network and added: "It helps independent local delivery companies to grow their businesses by providing state of the art technology to deliver orders.”

Customers can also collect items from pick-up locations, including Amazon Lockers, the Post Office and convenience stores.

.