High street giant Marks and Spencer could return to Woolwich after its old store closes, it has been suggested.

The company's Powis Street outlet store will close for good on September 27, with its employees deployed elsewhere as the chain restructures its business.

Since the closure was suggested, Greenwich Council has been in discussions with M&S and now says the company has expressed an interest in opening a Simply Food store in the town.

Council leader Councillor Denise Hyland said: "We’re really pleased to have been working positively with Marks and Spencer and we can see they have a genuine interest in having a presence in the town in the future."

She added: "The town is growing fast and this is being accelerated by the arrival of Crossrail. Big businesses like Marks and Spencer can see the long-term potential of Woolwich and we are sure other well-known retailers will too."

An M&S spokesman stressed no decision had been made but said: "If a site came up that works for us in Woolwich we'd be interested."