A new Travelodge could be built in Felixstowe as part of a scheme to create 225 jobs in Suffolk.

Travelodge has written to East Suffolk Council, among others in the county, looking to secure a national expansion.

Suffolk currently has seven Travelodge hotels, but more could open nine more under the new plans.

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

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.

Travelodge bedroom

"This expansion programme could represent a multi-million investment for third party investors and create 225 new jobs.

"Adding a Travelodge hotel can be a catalyst to attract new businesses to support regeneration, bring vacant buildings back into economic use as well as attracting thousands of new overnight visitors to the area and revitalising High Streets."

The full list of target locations in Suffolk is: 

• Aldeburgh
• Bury St Edmunds 
• Felixstowe
• Ipswich Central 
• Lowestoft 
• Martlesham 
• Newmarket 
• Southwold 
• Saxmundham 
• Sudbury