BUDGET hotel chain Travelodge has revealed it wants to open five new premises in Dorset in a move which would create 125 new jobs.

Travelodge already operates six hotels across Dorset and says it wants to almost double its hotel portfolio in the county.

The chain said it plans to open hotels in Weymouth, Dorchester, Blandford, Swanage and Shaftesbury.

The company currently has hotels in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

Travelodges in Weymouth and Dorchester would provide more options for budget travellers in the area. There are currently two Premier Inn hotels in Weymouth and one in Dorchester 

Travelodge said it has written to five town councils proposing a joint development partnership that can "act as a catalyst to stimulate regeneration and facilitate further growth".

Steve Bennett, Travelodge chief property and development officer, said: "In the current climate, local authorities are under extreme pressure to invest in their economy and support regeneration projects.

"This is why we have written to five local authorities across Dorset to offer our support as we have a requirement to nearly double our Dorset portfolio with a further five Travelodge hotels across the region.

"Our target locations include: Weymouth, Dorchester and Swanage.

"This expansion programme could represent a multi-million investment for third party investors and create 125 new jobs."

He added: "In addition, our research shows that, on average, Travelodge customers will spend at least double their room rate with local businesses during their stay; this can be an annual, multi-million pound boost into each local economy."

Travelodge, which operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, plans to add a further 300 and is writing to 220 local authorities in a bid to 'help grow the region's cities and towns.'

The chain said the expansion programme could represent an investment of around £3 billion for third party investors and create more than 9,000 new jobs across the UK.

Mr Bennett said a Travelodge hotel can "bring vacant buildings back into economic use as well as attracting thousands of new overnight visitors to the area and revitalising high streets".

He said: "In addition, our research shows that, on average, Travelodge customers will spend at least double their room rate with local businesses during their stay; this can be an annual, multi-million pound boost into the local economy."