UP TO 40 new jobs will be created in Corsham with the expansion of Somerfield supermarket.

The supermarket giant announced this week its £1.5m revamp of the store would create between 20 and 40 new posts.

Work began on revamping the store in January to coincide with the start of building work on Corsham precinct.

The precinct is undergoing a £5m refit with bulldozers tearing down part of the 1970s facility.

Somerfield is the precinct's flagship store and town leaders believe its expansion will help safeguard the retail future of Corsham and prevent shoppers going elsewhere.

Somerfield store manager Peter Dobbin said: "This is marvellous news for the store and for shoppers in Corsham.

"Somerfield is committed to being the number one high street supermarket."

Customers are being warned the store may be forced to close during the programme of work which could disrupt trade in the precinct.

Store boss Mr Dobbin said the closure times and dates would be kept down to a minimum.

The new-look store will include a complete redecoration with extra lighting and an extended range of products.

Somerfield has 590 stores nationwide and are ploughing more than £75m into 1320 stores over the next year in a bid to become the nation's top high street retailer.