THE defiant manager of a controversial new shop in South Woodford has accused his critics of snobbery, as an internet campaign against his store gathers support.

Some residents and traders were horrified last week when it emerged that the former Woolworths shop in George Lane was to be replaced by an “International Supermarket.”

Concerns were raised that the store would not be in keeping with the surrounding area, with some questioning the necessity of yet another supermarket in the area.

An internet campaign against the shop has already attracted more than 200 members on social networking site Facebook.

A website group, “International Supermarket - South Woodford, Can **** Off”, was set up by protesters claiming the signage of the new shop is “naff”.

Another poster wrote on the site: “It'll easily be gone in a year, their market is gonna be eaten by the four other supermarkets in the area.

“[It is the] wrong location [and] wrong demographic.”

But the owner and manager of the shop - who refused to give his name to the Guardian but is believed to be called Mehmet Oztas, has hit back.

He said: “It’s stupid to say there’s too many supermarkets. These people are happy to pay £8 for a bottle of olive oil but I can give it to them for £3.50.

“I’m here to stay. Many people here know me already and are pleased we are opening.”

The International Supermarket is part of a mini business empire that includes another supermarket in Walthamstow and a cash and carry outlet in Leyton.

He added: “All these big nosey people - we want to upset them and that’s why we want to open here.”

Mr Oztas also claimed Primark had intended to move in to the site, as was strongly rumoured, but said he had out-manouvred the clothing giant by buying up the premises first.

But not everyone is outraged.

Shopper Susan Willis told the Guardian: “I’m so pleased it’s opening. I live in South Woodford but I always have to drive to the Walthamstow branch. I can’t understand how anyone could be against it.”

The shop is expected to open in the next two to three weeks.

Redbridge Council said the International Supermarket would not need planning permission to open because there was no change of usage at the site.