A weekly London paper is making an unusual plea to a local university: ‘Don’t take your campus away from Woolwich!’

The appeal in the Greenwich Mercury is being made on behalf of the town centre which is battling to re-establish itself as a social centre for people to visit, shop and enjoy themselves.

The area is already being transformed by regeneration in the area sponsored by the local council and businesses.

But the paper says plans to move part of the University of Greenwich to leave the area would be a “kick in the teeth” to the progress being made.

The Mercury said: “Woolwich needs everyone to pull together to keep up the momentum of progress.

“That must include a vibrant contribution from the University of Greenwich Woolwich campus in Wellington Street.”

It said the university’s contribution to Woolwich was considerable, as a major employer, by massive spending from the university’s staff and students, renting of local property by the students, and its contribution to keeping the area’s nightlife alive.

A decision on moving 3,700 students and 50 staff to the Royal Naval College could be made by the university’s Court of Governors’ meeting on April 2.

Reasons for the move revolve around costs.

But the Mercury said: “Be bold and support Woolwich. Support the Arsenal. If you do the university will always have a special place in the heart of the town centre.”

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