Food fight over takeaway

by Adam Blakeman

MORE than 250 people have signed a petition to stop a new takeaway from opening in their neighbourhood.

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:

Burglars raid takeaways in middle of day

Letter: What's wrong with a traditional chippy?

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