Deal town centre could be on the verge of a regeneration with plans to reopen the High Street's biggest empty shop.

Woolworths closed in January 2009 and Poundland has confirmed that it would be opening a store in the building, on a date yet to be announced.

Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade president Bob Humphreys has greeted the move as a big boost and a positive change to the town's economy.

He said: "The building is an eyesore at the moment, especially as it sits slap bang in the middle of that stretch of the precinct. It has got worse throughout the winter.

"The opening should bring local jobs too, which has got to be good for Deal's economy, and hopefully bring shoppers into the town."

Deal Mayor Cllr Bill Gardner also welcomed the company to the town centre. He said he was absolutely delighted at the announcement which he hoped would regenerate the High Street between South Street and the Queen Street junction.

He added: "The old Woolworths is a total eyesore and has been since it shut. The new store will also provide local jobs for local people."

* For the full story see this week's East Kent Mercury.