UP to 60 jobs could be created when discount trader Home Bargains opens a new store in Monmouth town centre this Spring.

Work has begun on the former Budgens store next to the town’s bus station, which has been vacant since the supermarket closed down last March.

Confirming the opening of a new store, a spokesman for Home Bargains’ owner TJ Morris said that while management jobs will probably be filled internally, they expected to recruit up to 50 part-time sales assistants in March and April.

"We’re hoping to open in May and anybody who wants to apply should keep an eye on our website where jobs will be advertised," he added.

Sales staff can work anything from four to 20 hours a week.

In September the popular chain said it was looking at potential store locations in the Forest of Dean as part of plans to double the number of shops, but the company couldn’t confirm any further progress at this stage.

Home Bargains, which bills itself as selling "top brands at bottom prices", was founded more than 40 years ago by Tom Morris in Liverpool.

Today it is one of the UK’s biggest privately owned companies, with more than 400 stores employing around 17,000 people.

The firm has revealed it plans to grow its number of stores to 800 and employ more than 30,000 staff.

On average, its outlets stock around 4,000 branded product lines, selling a variety of household items including food, clothing and games.

The Oldway Centre site in Monmouth has previously housed Somerfield, Co-op and Budgens supermarkets.

Budgens closed down 11 months ago with the loss of 21 jobs, just nine months after a relaunch, after owners Food Retailer Operations Ltd went into administration.

But the town has since been boosted by the opening of a Co-op convenience store on Rockfield Road.

Anyone wanting to apply for a job should see the store’s website at jobs.homebargains.co.uk