Sponsored by
Two neighbouring chippies for road? - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
South Cliff residents wait years for a decent fish and chip shop, then two come along at once!
A pair of Scarborough's top fryers could be about to go head-to-head, after acquiring premises next door to each other in Ramshill Road.
Nigel Hodgkins and partner Shaun Wood have recently transformed a former Chinese takeaway, at number 21, into Ramshill Fisheries South Cliff, which should be open within six weeks.
Meanwhile, Ian Warwick, owner of Seamer Fisheries and North Bay Fisheries, which between them have scooped the Evening News Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award for the last three years, has formally submitted planning proposals to turn number 23, formerly The Local off-licence, into a restaurant and takeaway.
Mr Warwick's plans are currently being looked at by planning officials, who are set to make a final decision by July 17.
He said yesterday he was "quite hopeful and very excited" about his proposed venture.
The news is set to delight chippy lovers in the Ramshill area, who for years have had to travel to other areas of Scarborough for their fish and chip fix.
Although there is a wet-fishmongers, as well as kebab, pizza and bakers shops along Ramshill Road, a traditional chippy has been missing.
However, others are less optimistic about the prospect of having two similar shops side-by-side in what is one of the town's main commercial streets outside the town centre.
One Ramshill resident said: "It's certainly nice to have one fish and chip shop here, but we don't need two. I think it's madness."
Mr Hodgkins has run seven fish and chip businesses in Scarborough over the last 30 years.
As well as his partnership with fish merchant Mr Wood, he is also a director of Silks Fish and Chips Limited.
Because the property at number 21 was already run as a takeaway, he has not had to apply to the council for fresh planning permission.
"I've been looking at opening a fish and chip shop along Ramshill Road for about 18 months," he said.
"I actually looked at number 23 as well, but I made enquiries and the council said they didn't want another takeaway there, but I think because of the recession they'll take anything now.
"Not many people seem to realise that there may be two fish and chip shops next door to each other.
"I don't think that's adding to the area and it should go before a full planning committee."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Scarborough
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
