SHELVES are being stocked up at a controversial new Tesco Express store after the firm confirmed it would finally open on Monday.

Staff were busy filling the branch in Wanstead High Street with goods this morning, to get it ready for its official opening.

Several opening dates have been given, and passed, since work began on converting the former Woolworths site since it was first bought a year ago.

But a spokeswoman for the supermarket giant has now told the Guardian that it will be ready to welcome its first customers on Monday.

The firm is set to hand over a donation of £500 to Wanstead Church School at the opening, which will take place at 8am.

The event will bring to an end a long-running campaign to prevent the store opening by a group of local residents - who tried, and failed, to stop it receiving an alcohol licence.

The group has called on shoppers to boycott the outlet in favour of the High Street's small independent traders.