RESIDENTS of a Hampshire market town have reacted with a mix of excitement and anger as a trade tools retailer looks set to open. 

Screwfix is planning to open in Bishop’s Waltham at Unit 2 of the Quarry Business Park, Lower Lane near Bishop’s Waltham House.

The possible new store has been welcomed by some locals on Facebook who say they are delighted about no longer having to travel to Hedge End.

One resident posted in the community group bishops waltham chat room: "SCREWFIX COMING TO BW!! EEEEK! Soooo excited." 

The news slipped out after parent company Kingfisher plc advertised for retail assistants for the new site.

Meanwhile, a planning application for signs and air conditioning units from the firm has also been submitted to Winchester City Council.

The application has attracted some opposition from neighbours who are concerned about the noise from the site as well as having a national chain move in. 

Sheena Mumford, from Lower Lane, wrote: "At the original council meeting we were told these units were intended to be for small local businesses, to encourage local employment.

"As this is a residential area, those plans were acceptable as there was likely to be minimal disturbance to local residents. I understand that Screwfix are planning to operate from these premises for 13 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas day, which will be TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE."

The company had previously said that it hoped to create 800 jobs back in May as part of its plan to open 80 new stores by January.

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “The ongoing expansion of our network ensures we continue to bring Screwfix ever closer to our customers.

“In response to sustained demand from tradespeople across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, we have accelerated our store opening programme so that our customers are always near a Screwfix store.

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"We know that time is money for our customers, and we understand how much they value convenience, so they can get what they need and get back to the job."

The company’s ambition to open more than 1,000 stores is on track with 87 stores opening in the last 12 months.

A spokesperson from Screwfix would not confirm the opening date of the new Bishop's Waltham store and said that details would be posted on its website nearer to the time.