A NEW Lidl store will create 40 jobs for the community.

Lidl proposed to buy the old Bramston Leisure Centre site in Bridge Street, Witham, and Braintree Council has accepted their offer.

The store has not yet purchased the site but announced it will create about 40 jobs when it moves in.

Chris Bailey, Witham councillor, said the jobs would be welcome but was sceptical about the store boosting the local economy.

He said: "It will give people an opportunity for work, but I'm hesitant about supermarkets in the town as the money does not go to the local economy.

"It's unlikely to generate trade for shops in the town, however we will benefit from the creation of jobs."

Tina Townsend, chair of the Witham Chamber of Commerce, said the prospect of more employment would be a positive thing.

She said: "It's good to hear that Lidl is investing in our town.

"Witham is growing fast and with another large store coming to the town we hope others will follow suit.

"The extra employment that this brings to the town will be welcomed."

The money from the sale of the site will go towards a primary healthcare package for the town.

Residents and businesses in Bridge Street had said the store would be more beneficial than unaffordable flats, but thought a facility which could benefit the whole town, such as a new tourist attraction, would be preferred.