A new retail complex on the A48 at the gateway to Chepstow could be bringing Subway and Tool Station to the town.

The Argus understands that the development of the former Countryside Stores and garden centre on Newport Road beside the busy Texaco Garage and convenience store could be home to a new Greggs, Subway, Tool Station and furniture shop.

The building, most recently operated by Moles, was formerly a Chepstow Ford car showroom.

An 'under offer' sign has appeared on the side of the building and workmen have been on site converting it into four separate units, which are expected to open before the summer. It has not been confirmed exactly which businesses will take the units.

It is understood the area at the rear of the site, previously used to hold fencing and garden supplies, will become a car park.

A local resident who preferred not to be named said: “I remember when it was a Ford garage and everything else since. It was always busy. It’s wonderful that this large, empty building is going to be re-used as it has been a bit of an eyesore at the entrance to Chepstow for quite some time.

“Newport Road is always very busy never more so than in the morning and evening rush hour which have become even more frenetic since new houses were built and the Severn tolls removed. I must say It’s a job to get in and out of the site to get petrol now so I’ll be interested to see how they reconfigure the site to serve this new scheme.”

The scheme comes as traffic experts study ways to ease traffic congestion at the High Beech roundabout which links through traffic to the A466 inner relief road and the Severn Bridge.