MORE than 250 jobs would be created by a massive football stadium development if giant DIY firm B&Q is given the green light by councillors.

The superstore chain is the financial backer driving Worcester City FC's bid for a spectacular new ground at Nunnery Way.

And the team behind the development in Worcester feel football fans, the economy and trade in the community will all benefit from the stadium and DIY superstore.

"A new B&Q Warehouse will create between 200 and 250 jobs for local people," said Steven Groves, B&Q development manager.

"We would welcome the chance to bring this facility to Worcester and finance the blue and whites' dream of a new stadium."

A Worcester City official also confirmed another 25 full-time and part-time jobs would be generated by the stadium itself. These include office work, ground work and positions in bar and banqueting developments.

Around 20 per cent of jobs would be management or trade professional positions. These include experts such as interior designers, plumbers, electricians and horticulturists to provide advice and guidance in the store.

Mr Groves confirmed full-time and part-time positions would be on offer and he would actively encourage applicants over 50, with good DIY and customer service experience.

The strategy behind the bid follows other successful developments in the Midlands with large format stores in Birmingham and Halesowen.

The aim on the Worcester site is to provide everything under one roof for DIY and garden enthusiasts.

Regional traders would also benefit from bulk stocks on site - the nearest B&Q superstore to Worcester is 20 miles away in Halesowen.

The store, which would be about the size of two football pitches, will stock 40,000 products and include a garden centre and builders yard.

"Every superstore has an annual budget to assist community projects. We find that this is the best way for us to make a positive impact on our neighbours," said Mr Groves.

"Developments in our Erdington B&Q warehouse helped us work with three junior schools, assisted the League of Friends at Redditch and created a garden project with Sense in Selly Oak."

Worcester MP and football fan Mike Foster has thrown his backing behind the enabling development.

He sees it as a positive step for the club and the city.

"I am very excited with the plans to go before the city council, I hope councillors will have the good sense to vote in favour of an enabling development," he said.

"Worcester City needs to have state-of-the-art facilities to attract new supporters and more families to the club. And the quantity of jobs created by the enabling development cannot be taken lightly.

"Councillors have a moral obligation to give people in Worcester a new ground which people have wanted for a long time and provide better job prospects for the city.

"I give my support to this bid as a regular down St George's Lane. I hope the elected city councillors back what could be our last ever hope for a move."