THE SUPERMARKET company that is likely to build a new store in Caldicot says it will create 200 jobs.

Asda has been chosen by Monmouthshire Council as its preferred developer for the site at Caldicot School.

Although the final legal agreement is still to be signed that is almost certainly a formality.

A spokesman for Asda said: "It's 99.9 per cent certain to go ahead subject to legal agreement and we want to make a start as soon as possible."

He said the latest opening date would be early 2014 although the company is keen to open it earlier.

The 20,000 square feet "neigbourhood" store will create 200 jobs although about two thirds of them will be part-time.

The council has insisted that no more than 20 per cent of the floorspace should be for non-food goods.

Asda will also be forbidden from opening a pharmacy, opticians, post office, travel agents, dry cleaning or photographic services.

The store will not allowed to open or have deliveries between 11pm and 7am.

As part of the development, Asda has agreed to develop a "pedestrian-orientated" area on Woodstock Way including alterations to the library and one-stop shop.

The company will also improve pedestrian links into the town centre.

The council has said it will use money from the sale of land at Caldicot School to help fund improvements.