Tesco has unveiled plans for a new store in Ross.

Hundreds of people flooded through the doors of the Larruperz Centre on Friday and Saturday to visit an exhibition organised by the company. They were able to see maps and plans of the proposed store and were given leaflets detailing the features of the proposed store and the benefits to the community. The visitors were also able to take the opportunity to ask Tesco representatives questions and give feedback on the proposal.

Tesco expects to submit the planning application for the site to Herefordshire Council in the summer and, subject to any foreseen complications, they expect the store to be nearing completion by the end of 2015.

A spokesman for Tesco said that the store will provide the equivalent of 250 full time jobs, a "competitively priced" four pump petrol station, a 260-space car park which will be free for three hours, and new cycle and pathways to the town centre.

The exhibition featured glossy banners and leaflets, detailing the "community benefits" including "a new access road off Overross Street, relieving pressure at the Five Ways junction" and "regeneration of Broadmeadows Industrial Estate".

The Gazette asked Johnathan Simpson, of Tesco, his view of Tesco's impact on Ross town centre. He said: "We've had very productive meetings with the Association of Ross Traders. We want to work with traders and we want to promote the town centre, both in store and, possibly, on notice boards along the pathways from the store to the town.

"People can park in our car park for free and walk in to town. We will also be sourcing local products and they will be a major feature of the store. ART's decision not come out against Tesco is telling, as a lot of the products we will be selling will mean we are not directly competing with many town centre traders."

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.