Eighty new jobs will be created in Basildon when another major new store opens at the multi-million pound Westgate park shopping complex.

Bosses at high street retailer Wilkinson today promised they will be recruiting staff locally for the new store. The shop will open its doors on March 3.

The home and gardenware store already has shops in Southend, Chelmsford, and Grays, but its heartland is in the north of the country.

Mark Hibbert, spokesman for Wilkinson, said: "We are involved in a big expansion programme and are opening an average of 20 stores a year. Our aim is to be in every high street in Britain."

The new 21,000 sq ft store will be one of 13 shops opening their doors to customers on the new £29 million Westgate Park.

These include Argos - which provided 60 local jobs - craft shop Hobbycraft, Music and Video Club, Powerhouse, Rosebys, JD Sports, Shoe City and the Holiday Hypermarket.

Pubs and restaurants are also planned.

Mr Hibbert added: "Basildon is a town which is going places - there is a lot happening and we want to be a part of it.

"We will be a part of the Basildon community. We don't shut stores - once we are open we are here to stay."

Tony Ruggiero, the Basildon store's manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to bring Wilkinson value for money family shopping to Basildon and very much look forward to welcoming new customers to our town centre store."

Wilkinson sells more than 25,000 products which include kitchenware, household disposables, clothing, DIY decoration, confectionery and seasonal goods.

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