New Gail's store at centre of gentrification storm in Walthamstow puts up signs featuring a bearded hipster to announce opening - despite petition from locals to shut it down

A new Gail's store at the centre of a furious gentrification row has put up the first signs to announce its opening. A new opening sign featuring a bearded tattooed hipster has emerged on a new Gail's in Walthamstow The new branch is at the centre of a new gentrification storm brewing among residents who believe the new café will harm independent coffee shops The petition has attracted more than over 1,600 supporters so far, and is aiming to reach 2,500. Locals against the new Gail's have branded it the 'ultimate sign of gentrification' as they aim to protect 'the unique identity of community' The petition which has been set up to stop Gail's bakery opening a new store in Walthamstow Walthamstow residents concerned about the new Gail's opening Michael, 45, who owns an independent coffee shop in Walthamstow has said: 'We need to all fight them' 'I'd prefer that that money stays with our independents, and I think they'll take their business away. Walthamstow Village in East London, where local residents are fighting to stop a Gail's opening Despite plans to open other shops in London and having more than 130 openings, managers at Gail's do not consider themselves a chain In an interview with trade publication British Baker, Marta Pogroszewska said she believed 'scale' was an uncomfortable term and the company will always focus on being a 'neighbourhood bakery' rather than a chain.