Around 150 people will be taken on by the new Sainsburys store on Cricketers Way – and they will all be local people within a 3 mile radius of the store.

Sainsburys... set to open in February 2010

A recent recruitment drive saw scores of people trying to get work with the company, with many families hit by the recession, leaving many out of work.

One Church Street resident told The Bolton News: “I am very keen to get back to work. I’ve been trying everything but it’s really difficult at the moment.”

Another Sandalwood resident added: “There’s not many jobs going at the moment so I thought this was a really good opportunity. I’ve always supported the idea of Sainsbury’s coming to the town.”

The store is set to open next February – but will be beaten by LIDL, who plan to open their Wigan Road store in December, before the Christmas rush.

The LIDL store was supported by 433 local residents, who signed a petition in favour of the plans.

Westhoughton South ward councillor Julia Silvester said: “I am very pleased to see that Sainsburys is taken a positive role in getting local people back into work. Whether you agreed with the plans or not, it is here to stay and this recruitment drive is good news for Westhoughton.”

Westhoughton North ward campaigner Derek Gradwell added: “The opening of these two new stores will undoubtedly attract people back into the town, giving Westhoughton the attention it deserves.”