ROUND-THE-CLOCK shopping and fuel is creating 150 jobs in Kent and Medway. Margram Plc, a three-year old company that is snapping up key roadside sites in joint ventures with McDonald’s, has already opened three developments in the county.

The Supermart and BP filling station at Anthony’s Way, close to the Medway Tunnel, opened two months ago, creating 25 jobs. Two other outlets have opened at Beechings Way, Gillingham, and Bobbing Roundabout, Sittingbourne, creating a further 50 jobs.

Three others are planned at Minster, near Ramsgate, the A21 at Pembury, and East Peckham, creating a further 75 jobs.

The supermarkets are around 3,000 square feet and offer round-the-clock - Christmas Day included - refreshments and meals, as well as 5,000 essential lines.

The company said it was cashing in on changing demographics, as more people led busy lives and wanted round-the-clock convenience.

Margram’s managing director John Bryant said the company planned to roll out 30 outlets across southern England over the next year or two. Kent and Medway were a key part of a £100 million investment strategy. About a fifth - £20m - is being invested in the county.

“We recognised the increasing amount of investment going into the Medway Towns," said Mr Bryant. "There’s terrific growth and we are very excited about the potential. All three sites are doing better than our projections.”