A new Poundland store is set to open its doors in Tunbridge Wells this week.

The branch, in Grosvenor Road, has been a hive of activity over the past fortnight. Staff have been seen setting up shelves and checkouts ahead of the official opening on Thursday.

Earlier this year people in the town expressed mixed views about the chain's plans to move in, with many saying a more "up-market" Waitrose store would be more appropriate.

But despite negative comments, 974 of 1,309 people who took our poll in April said they thought Poundland was right to move into the area.

A further poll asked readers to choose between Waitrose and Poundland for the Grosvenor Road site. Out of 761 votes, 444 chose Poundland.

The new store will be the first in the area. The closest premises currently for Tunbridge Wells customers is over four miles away in Tonbridge.

The first 100 customers to the new Tunbridge Wells site on Saturday will receive a free £5 voucher to spend.

Poundland’s retail director, Martin Dawson, said: “We are delighted to bring our unique proposition to Tunbridge Wells.

“Poundland offers amazing value on top branded products to over 5.5 million customers every week for just £1 and we look forward to opening our doors.”

Since opening its first store 25 years ago, Poundland now has over 600 stores nationwide.