PLANS for a new supermarket have met with 98% approval from the public, bosses claim.

Retail giant Asda unveiled plans earlier this year for a £20million new supermarket in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, and embar-ked on a consultation with residents ahead of submitting a planning application.

The company says more than 150 people attended two public meetings on the proposal and 156 people submitted responses to their consultation, with 98% in favour. The store is proposed for land which borders Church Street, Main Street and Levern Water.

A planning application has now been lodged and, if approved by the local council, it will bring 200 new jobs in store and a further 200 in the construction project.

The Asda plan is being marketed as a key development in the long-term regeneration of Barrhead.

It follows plans for a £3.8m extension to Barrhead Sports Centre to create a new leisure and learning centre, Barrhead Steps.

Lisa Rooke, Asda's Property Communications Manager for Scotland, said: "Following months of engagement with residents and local groups in the area we believe our proposals reflect the clear needs and desires of the local community.

"Our proposals will enable us to make a significant investment in the town, regenerate a currently redundant site, and generate up to 200 new jobs for local people."

The proposals also include an investment of £800,000 to integrate the supermarket with the town centre through a range of public realm, access and green space improvements around the store.

If the application is approved Asda says it aims to set up an 'Asda Magic' Recruitment Centre in Barrhead to target local jobseekers, "making sure that the focus of the employment opportunities is local".

The company says it aims to work with local suppliers to develop its range of products and increase sales.

Meanwhile, Asda has announced two community engagement events on its plans for a new store in Greenock.

The two events will showcase the proposals and allow the residents to make comments.

They will take place on October 10 and October 11 from 2pm to 8pm at the Tontine Hotel in Greenock's West End.

For more information go to www.asda greenock.co.uk

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk