TODAY News Shopper joins with Greenwich Council and the business community in pledging our support for a Crossrail station at Woolwich.

As the borough's number one newspaper, we believe it is important to stand up for what is right for our readers, our community.

The investment and opportunities a Crossrail station will bring the greater Woolwich area are mind boggling.

A total of 4,350 new homes, 2,300 jobs and improved transport links across London and into Kent and to the Continent will be created.

It will join other projects in the biggest series of investments the area has ever seen.

Greenwich Council first put a bid together to have a station on the £16bn network back in September 2004.

When a House of Commons' select committee backed the bid this July, it seemed the town was set for its proposed £260m station.

But in October, in a move which shook residents, the council and business community, the Government announced Woolwich would play no part.

It claimed even at a revised cost of £186m, the Woolwich station was far too expensive.

Following this, a campaign was launched to persuade the Government to think again.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said he would re-examine the bid - telling the council and Crossrail to look again at the £186m cost.

Council and business chiefs and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford are working around the clock, looking at cutting the cost of the station.

News Shopper believes the time is right for us to enter the battle on behalf of the borough.

Editor Jean May said: "Crossrail is an opportunity which Woolwich cannot and must not miss out on.

"The town has traditionally been one of the most deprived areas in London but Crossrail and other developments taking place can change this forever.

"We have wonderful readers and we urge you all to join us in calling on the Government to back the bid and give Woolwich a chance.

"With our partners, we're going to do all we can to bring the station to the borough. Tough times no doubt lie ahead but we're confident the Government will see sense and give Woolwich the opportunity it so richly deserves."