Superstore giants unveil town bid

Sainsbury's claims the plans could bring 250 jobs to Hawick

A major supermarket firm has announced plans for a new store in a Scottish Borders town which has suffered a string of recent job losses.

Sainsbury's claims its proposals for a 25,000 sq ft development in Hawick would create about 250 posts.

It is targeting a site in the town's Commercial Road which it hopes could be up and running by spring 2010.

Hawick has seen a number of textile firms cease manufacturing or announce redundancies since the summer.

Sainsbury's national development surveyor for Scotland, Paul Miller, said he hoped the plans would be seen as a "vote of confidence in the vibrancy of this community".

He said: "With its history, local produce and market town ambience, Hawick is the perfect match for our quality brand."

The plans will go on display in Hawick Town Hall on 17 and 18 January before the firm submits an application to Scottish Borders Council in March.

Sainsbury's recently suffered a setback in another Borders town.

SBC named Tesco as its preferred bidder for a site at Pinnaclehill in Kelso which Sainsbury's had earmarked for a store.

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