WOOLWICH REGENERATION GATHERS MOMENTUM by Benson Agoha

* NEWS REPORT:

Tesco's new Mega Store in Woolwich Arsenal opened on Monday in what has become a 24-hours sales service, and the Tills have not stopped ringing ever since. There are 50 tills spanning the vertical lenght of the floor. And locals and shoppers alike have embraced their newest arrival warmly.

In their unique style, Tesco had everything well planned. The massive building is fronted by a matching landscape with the General Gordon Square. The tuff and, the artificially created, terrain give your eyes their initial welcome attraction. Walk 300meters and the lobby welcomes you straight to a Drycleaner's shop and a Pastry Store. So if you have come from far and hungry, you can always start from there.

* Protest Board after the riots.

A massive Car Park Entrance is on your left from the lobby. The Car Park is large enough to take hundreds of cars. But it's only for shoppers. Sorry. And stay is restricted to 3hrs for each car, so overstayers risk being clamped and fined £150.00.

On your right is the escalator which takes you straight to the main shopping hall. Take your time and explore. There is plenty. A bakery, Whole Chicken Roast Facility, A Phone Counter, Electronics Counter,Ladies Fashion, Men's Fashion, Grocceries, Even application for Tesco Cards are done Electronically through a Machine by the escalator.

* Woolwich made a defiant statement.

And Tesco's arrival obviously pushes the regeneration of Woolwich higher, and, marks a major and remarkable shift from the eyesore that was the aftermath of the August 2011 riots, when the woolwich central was replete with only charred remains of burnt-out stores and shoppers stayed away from the high street.

* Back To Business!

But Woolwich is back to business - and a new and improved Town has certainly arrived!