A NEW pub and hotel in Chepstow could employ up to 70 people when it opens in the autumn.

Area operations manager for Marston’s Alex Watson said recruitment for the front of house, kitchen and housekeeping positions will start at the end of the month at the earliest.

Building at the site, which used to be occupied by a Punch Tavern pub and hotel, started several months ago.

The new budget-style 22-bed hotel, on the A48 approach to the town, is due to open in November.

Work began on the project after Monmouthshire Council ’s planning committee gave it the go-ahead earlier this year.

The plans initially met some opposition following concerns about access to the site.

It is off Hardwick Hill, where people heading to Chepstow often face queues behind drivers turning right towards Bulwark.

Marston’s revised the plans, addressing the access issues, which was enough to gain planning permission with conditions.

These included a limit on access to the development for servicing and deliveries between 8am and 11pm and a one-way entrance-and-exit layout.

The South Wales Trunk Road Agency has no objections to the proposal, but advised planning officers the free flow and safety of the road should be preserved.

Mr Watson said the hotel is part of an expansion by the Marston’s group and the Chepstow jobs will be locally advertised.

“We will certainly keep the local community up to date as soon as we get closer to opening and know how many people we are definitely recruiting,” he added.