TUFFINS is creating 30 new jobs on the outskirts of Welshpool when a new petrol filling station, convenience store and car wash opens this summer.

Work on the £3 million development on land at the entrance to Buttington Cross Enterprise Park is already underway and is expected to be completed in July.

Developer, Harry Delves, commercial director of Delves and Co Ltd Trading as Tuffins Supermarket, which has stores in Craven Arms and Builth Wells, has awarded the 18-week building contract to SCF Forecourts.

Mr Delves, said: "The site is ideally placed off the roundabout to attract passing trade and farmers attending Welshpool Livestock Market.

"We will aim to provide a state of the art petrol station with associated convenience store which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We already have many years’ experience of offering convenience store goods and fuel at great prices.

"The amount of business that is currently lost to Newtown, Oswestry and Shrewsbury from a lack of roadside stores on Welshpool bypass is vast.

“In these uncertain times following Brexit, the investment of £3 million in a new development that will create 30 jobs has got to be good news for Welshpool.”

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased the Welsh Government was able to assist with this project by making the site available.

"The development will provide a good local service in the Welshpool area and the creation of jobs on the site is to be welcomed.

"I wish the development every success in the future.”

Mr Delves’ late great-grandfather, Harry Tuffin established a store in Churchstoke in the 1950s and built up a number of stores across the region until the business was sold to The Midcounties Co-operative in 2012.

"The family bought back the Craven Arms store later that year and has since opened another store in Builth Wells."