A CAFÉ is desperate to stop Subway moving in next door because “it could put them out of business and kill the high street”.

Owners of Little Woodford Café in South Woodford Joe and Robert Federico are spearheading the campaign against the global sandwich chain moving in next door to them in George Lane.

The brothers, who have been running the café for 15 years, fear the franchise’s “ridiculous” opening hours from 7am to 11pm will steal passing trade, encourage anti-social behaviour, and litter.

Joe Federico, of Maybank Road said: “There are nine Subways in Stratford, two in Chingford and Leyton, one in Leytonstone, and one in Barkingside.

“Do we really need another one in South Woodford?

“Do we really want George lane to look like every other town centre in the area, or do we want it to offer something unique?”

The 38-year-old is also outraged Redbridge Council has not told neighbouring businesses like his about Subway is moving in, and is not asking for a licence to extend the premise’s opening hours.

He added: “It’s literally right next door to me.

“I’m not concerned about our loyal customers, but it’s definitely going to affect passing trade.

“We’ve worked hard for years and years to produce fresh, homemade food to make a living, and yet they’re allowed to just come in selling processed, unhealthy food for ridiculously low prices.

“We just can’t compete with that.

“And the council doesn’t seem to care about little guys like us or George Lane at all.”

Owner of nearby George Lane patisserie Lily’s Indulgence Adrienne Vietro is among a number of other independent businesses backing the Federicos' objections.

She said: “It’s going to bring the wrong sort of people to our little village community.

“The long opening hours will make it a hangout for teenagers with hoodies.

“They’ll leave litter everywhere, which is a problem we’ve already got with KFC.

“I feel really sorry for Little Woodford being right next door to them.

“They’re trying to survive on the high street at a time when rates and food prices are going up."

Subway’s planning application submitted to Redbridge Council on February 11 also seeks permission to change the traditional Victorian shopfront to suit the chain’s branding, which the Federico brothers are worried will set "a dangerous precedent" in the area.

They are calling on people in the community, councillors, and fellow businesses to help them fight off the sandwich shop by opposing its planning application.

Mr Federico said: “We don’t need another chain that could potentially kill businesses like mine.

“Please think of young children who will grow up thinking it’s normal to eat processed, microwaved food delivered on the back of a lorry.

“Please think of our high street that deserves to stand out from the rest.”

Subway however claim its new George Lane store will create 10 jobs, which will “benefit the local economy”.

A company spokesman said: “All franchisees are independent business people who strive and work to be responsible retailers and active members of their local communities.

They also claim to offer “great value and healthier options” and would be a “welcome addition to any high street.”

Redbridge Council has been contacted for comment.

To comment on the planning application, click here.