A CAMPAIGN against a controversial supermarket in South Woodford has attracted over a thousand supporters in less than a week.

The new International Supermarket, in George Lane, has divided shoppers ever since it was unveiled at the former Woolworths site earlier this month.

Critics argue the shop, which is due to open in two weeks, is out of keeping with the area.

A group on social networking website Facebook against the store today topped 1,100 members, and has been flooded with dozens of angry comments from residents.

People writing on the site have complained the shop is unnecessary because there are already four other supermarkets nearby.

And they have been further enraged by comments from the shop's owner, Mehmet Oztas, who told the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian that his critics were being snobbish.

But concerns have been raised about threats of violence and vandalism against the shop on the website.

One poster wrote: "I'm gonna burn it down".

Another said: "I think they should expect heavy objects through their window quite soon."

But one of the site's founders, 21-year-old Nathan Thorndyke, said the comments were isolated and did not represent the majority of campaigners.

He said: "All of the statements regarding violence of any sort have nothing to do with me and the group. We do not condone any type of violence, plus we don’t need to because this petition is doing enough."

The name of the group, which was previously "International Supermarket Can **** Off" has also been toned down to "Petition to Remove".

Mr Thorndyke added that he was surprised how big the group had grown.

He said: "I think it shows that the young people of the community also have a say of what should be in the local area, which I think should be taken seriously. This petition shows we all do have an opinion."

Mr Thorndyke, who works in finance, said he expected the campaign to grow even more in days to come.

Redbridge Council have said the shop does not need planning permission because there is no change of usage at the site.

Mr Oztas has been unavailable for comment to the Guardian since his previous interview.