A  sign maker who has made props for films including World War Z starring Brad Pitt is set to be evicted from his premises so it can be replaced with a block of flats.

Chris Bracey, who has run Gods Own Junkyard in Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, for decades, is currently looking for a new location for his business after Waltham Forest Council approved a plan to build nine homes.

Mr Bracey has made film scenery for directors including Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton and Ridley Scott from his workshop.

The council passed proposals to build the five-storey block last month after Mr Bracey’s landlord is understood to have sold the site to developers listed as Mr M Simkins and Mr D Simkins.

The news caused a stir on Twitter, with Mr Bracey writing: “If anyone knows where we can find a new home, please let us know for we are neon vagabonds now.”

In another tweet he said: “We can't believe all the support we've had on Twitter over the closure. The fight goes on, watch this space!”

Mr Bracey has so far refused to speak to the Guardian.

People called on Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy to intervene, but Mr Bracey’s representative told the Guardian the artist is currently talking with the council before deciding what course of action to take.

A council spokesman said officers were looking at possible alternative sites in Wood Street and the nearby artist workshop Blackhorse Lane Studios.