A decorating and DIY chain has opened its latest store - despite a campaign to protect a family business.

Leyland welcomed the first customers to its new Belsize Park branch in Haverstock Hill on Wednesday (October 15), with an official opening due to take place on October 30.

But campaigners warned against the chain opening in the neighbourhood as they wanted to support Belsize Hardware – a small family run independent shop a short distance down the road.

Adam Selwyn, a member of conservation group the Belsize Society, said Leyland and its branding was "much too tacky and vulgar" for the conservation area.

The building was previously Chesney's fireplace showroom, and before that an HSBC bank, but had been empty for some time.

Leyland stocks a vast selection of paints, decorating essentials, fillers, woodcare, tools, cleaning products, plumbing and timberLeyland stocks a vast selection of paints, decorating essentials, fillers, woodcare, tools, cleaning products, plumbing and timber (Image: Leyland)

Mohamad Hasan, owner of Belsize Hardware, told the Ham&High in July that he feared his business would go under if Leyland moved in.

He said: "The parade is too small for two hardware shops.

"They sell paint, we sell paint. Even hooks and padlocks, all the same.

"Leyland is a much bigger shop with many branches. It won't be easy for me to survive in the area."

The Leyland store sells paints, decorating essentials, fillers, woodcare, tools, cleaning products, plumbing and timber.

There will be an opportunity for people to nominate community groups or local good causes to receive a £2,500 prize pot to spend in the new store to make improvements to facilities or equipment.

“We are delighted to open our new Belsize Park store, which is in a fantastic location and looks brilliant," Martin Hastings, CEO of Leyland, said. 

”The new store, occupying a prime corner spot, will benefit from all the products Leyland is renowned for, including a vast selection of paints from leading brands such as Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Johnstone’s and Leyland Trade – all with on-site colour mixing.

Leyland Belsize Park is open from 6.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday.