Food fight over takeaway
MORE than 250 people have signed a petition to stop a new takeaway from opening in their neighbourhood.
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'NO MORE': Campaign leader Rita Goodwin, left, with other residents outside the former mortgage brokers on London Road. Picture: Steve Bould
People opposing the proposals for London Road, in Oakhill, Stoke-on-Trent, say there are already many food outlets in the area and there is no need for another.
They are also worried about the potential for anti-social behaviour and litter.
A total of 270 people have signed the petition, which has been lead by Kensington Road resident Rita Goodwin.
The 60-year-old, who works at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, said: "We have more than enough takeaways in this area at the moment.
"There are already 18 takeaways within a mile of London Road and we don't want any more.
"The Government is constantly telling us how important it is to eat healthily and Stoke has been described as a sick city so I don't see how more takeaways will help to achieve this. Out of all the residents I have spoken to, only four have said they haven't got a problem with another takeaway. I think that speaks volumes.
"We need another takeaway in Oakhill like we need a hole in the head."
An application has been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the takeaway to replace a former mortgage brokers shop.
It would be open between 7am and 4pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm on Saturday and 7am to 3pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
It would be run by Joy McCann, who is being made redundant from her job at Vodafone in Chesterton at the end of July after working for the company for eight years.
But the 47-year-old fears people opposed to the takeaway have got the wrong idea.
Mrs McCann, who lives in Kidsgrove, said: "I think people have got the wrong end of the stick and think this is going to be some sort of late-night kebab shop, which it isn't.
"It's going to be more of a hot and cold sandwich shop selling things like oatcakes. I've always wanted to run a shop like this and with me being made redundant from Vodafone I've got the chance to do it now.
"The shop is in a good area with lots of factories nearby which we could deliver food to.
"Our idea is to offer something different and let people email their orders over, which we will then deliver.
"It's not going to be open late at night or in the early hours so I don't think there will be any problems with anti-social behaviour."
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is due to make a decision on the application by the end of this month.
Related content:
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Martin Tideswell: Burger off! Our city certainly doesn't need more fast food
Protesters' delight at takeaway victory
Story filed in: Health | Council | News | Chesterton
21 Comments
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by Warren, Meir
Sunday, July 05 2009, 8:53AM
“Yes Brian, and may I remind you that you are on the other side of the world, not the other side of town, at least we could drive there to get the tasty treats.”
by georgina, staffs
Friday, July 03 2009, 11:01AM
“Here is the start of the petition FOR Joy McCann to open her new hot and cold buttie shop.
Signed :-
Georgina
ADE
DAN
SAM
all i can say is good luck JOY and get a life Rita.
look 4wd to the opening Joy. Bestest wishes. xxxx”
by willis, london road stoke
Friday, July 03 2009, 9:14AM
“i carnt see why they are trying to opose the shop i think they just want to stick there nose in other peoples buisiness as they have nothing better to do i think it will be a good idea as i nice sandwich is always better then chips i just hope it happens for them
small buisineses are going to get us out of the crisis the country is in good luck joy”
by Phill Hemmings, packmoor
Friday, July 03 2009, 6:30AM
“I cant believe the openening of a sandwich shop NOT A KEBAB OR FAST FOOD SHOP has raised so much attention and all for the wrong reasons, joy is down on her luck after what we all are dreading may happen and thats redundancy, and the start of this little HEALTHY business has caused people to react without looking into the venture. Anti social behaviour has been mentioned and public dissorder has been mentioned, and my question is why??? The shop closes early in the afternoon so unless "parkhurst" have started doing day trips why would there be any anti solcial behaviour? There is adequet parking and looks to be a great little shop and surley this healthy option should be welcomed into the community, good luck joy and ian.”
by Brian Beckett, Australia
Friday, July 03 2009, 4:37AM
“Isn't it amazing how the people in favour of the shop opening don't live anywhere near the place and will not be affected by it.
Brian Beckett
Australia”