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The arrival of "middle class" sandwich chain Pret A Manger in Wood Green has divided shoppers and residents and sparked a debate about gentrifiication.

The branch opened in recent weeks to the delight of some residents. But others blasted it as a "loss of culture" and hit out at the price of food.

Some suggested the new branch near the Wood Green shopping centre indicates the area could become too expensive for local people.

Meg Hanking, 18, who lives nearby, said of the new high street branch: “I have been in the area my whole life, I grew up there.

“It’s such a deprived area. Our family lived there and it’s weird to see this happening.

“Most of the people who actually live there and people who have lived there for the past decade couldn’t afford that kind of food.

“Most people who are working there are on minimum wage. This is for the middle classes.“

Ms Hanking said she lives in nearby Winchmore Hill which has already shown the first signs of gentrification with farmers' markets – but said this is a sign Wood Green might be next.

She added: “I have eaten in Pret before, and I quite like their food. And it’s good because it’s going to bring jobs.

“But it’s going to lead to more loss of culture. It’s just weird because I have gone down the high street almost every week my whole life and you see more coffee shops popping up.

“It’s quite a big statement, I think it’s massive.”

Others on social media agree it could mean the start of a new gentrified Wood Green.

But others reacted with delight at the new Wood Green branch with some calling it long overdue.

Will Orr, who lives in Wood Green, said: “If there was ever an area that needed reviving it is Wood Green.

“Crime and antisocial behaviour is high and since we've lived here M&S and BHS have been lost from the high street.

“There haven't been many places to get good food so we're very happy Pret has opened and hoping it brings in more businesses that aren't betting shops.

“Things are hopefully changing with investment coming in the area from the council and Crossrail 2 planned.”

Labour councillor for Noel Park and cabinet member for the environment in Haringey, Peray Ahmet, said on Twitter: "Good to see a Pret a Manger coming soon to Wood Green High Rd."

Responding to criticism that another chain would add to the destruction of independent businesses in the area, she said: "I trust you're familiar with Wood Green High Road? It's dominated by chains and also has one of the highest footfalls in London."

Matthew Turnbull wrote on Twitter: “Wood Green is getting a Pret. There is a god!”

Brandon Allen wrote: “Big news in Wood Green…Pret a Manger has landed…oh how my priorities have shifted…easily pleased.”

Hana Stewart added: “Pret could be the best thing ever to happen to Wood Green!”

Earlier this year the Standard reported a new arts hotel was set to shake up the area, with the entrepreneur behind the scheme talking about the “fine line” between regeneration and gentrification.

The trend is often accused of pushing up house prices as professionals settle in pockets of London and price out those who have lived there for years.