A NEW supermarket in Tiptree offers the prospect of 35 jobs.

Iceland is poised to take over a site at the Centre, off Church Road.

Currently, villagers have to travel to Witham, Colchester or Maldon to use an Iceland store.

The proposed store is expected to employe five full-time and 30 part-time staff.

A spokesman for Iceland said the company was unable to comment on the plans at this early stage as the store was not due to open until spring.

She added details, such as the number of jobs, were subject to change. But more information would be released around February.

Terry Slater, chairman of Tiptree Parish Council, said a store with the possibility of jobs was welcome news for the village.

He said: “The unit has been empty for several years and I think it is the only vacant shop in Tiptree, so if it’s going to be let, then that’s great.

“Everyone will be pleased to see it used, as it is a bit of an eyesore at the moment, boarded up and right in the centre of Tiptree.

“It is another food store in the village – we already have Tesco and Asda. But it is more competition and brings more people into Tiptree, where parking is free.

“The number of new jobs is fantastic and even though the bulk of them are part-time that does not matter in today’s environment, so bringing employment into Tiptree is good news. My only concern would be the car park there as it is quite busy throughout the day, but there is plenty of parking.

“The proposed opening hours are not too bad either, given there are people living relatively close by.’’

Opening hours are due to be 8am until 8pm weekdays, 8am until 5pm on Saturdays and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.