A RECRUITMENT drive launched by a supermarket giant has seen more than 1,500 applications already made for the 300 jobs it has on offer.

Asda Barry, at the Waterfront development, witnessed the overwhelming demand after it recently advertised its in-store vacancies in readiness to fill the roles necessary to open the store after Easter, in April, this year.

The much-anticipated store is central to The Quays scheme which overall includes other retail outlets, a new English language school and a direct road linking Barry and Barry Island.

The store building project was delayed, after Asda bought the site in 2012, until ground enabling works on Barry’s former dockland site were completed.

The shop is a leading part of the £230m Barry Waterfront Consortium project to build around 2,000 dwellings on the 100-acre area over ten years.

Asda fended off interest from other stores to establish its first home in the Vale meaning that the 40,000 square foot unit will be the final of the big four to establish a premises in Wales' largest town.

The store will sell grocery, home and clothing items and feature a petrol station which abides by the store's national uniform pricing policy.

Competitor Morrisons originally opposed the development, but planners approved.

Store manager of the new Asda Barry store, Richard Jenkins said: "We are delighted with the progress being made on our new Barry store. The external works are nearing completion and the internal fit out will begin shortly.

"Local people will see a lot of activity in the coming weeks as the developer is busy completing the new link road and local infrastructure improvements.”

The company has appealed for would-be employees via the Barry & District News and is also encouraging people to see what roles are available via the Job Centre on Holton Road.

Barratt Homes, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey are now based at Arno Quay – opposite Morrisons – and marketing the first phase of new homes at The Quays.

The closing date for job applications to become an Asda colleague is Tuesday, January 27 and vacancies are still available.

To apply, visit www.asda.jobs