WORK is set to start on the new Waitrose food store in Alton, which should be open by the autumn.

To be built on the former Mirion Technologies production site in Station Road, the development is expected to regenerate the area around the railway station.

The shop will comprise 31,000 square feet with a net sales area of 18,000 square feet, and will be similar in size to the Waitrose store in Petersfield.

It is expected to include a 165-space decked car park.

The store will provide up to 120 jobs, with recruitment to begin in June.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.