TRADITIONAL CHIPPIES: Please, isn't it about time we regulated the amount of certain takeaway food outlets that this city allows?

In some places nearly every other shop is either Indian, Chinese or kebab takeaways, like in Smallthorne – far too many for such a small area. There's eight actually in the space of approximately 500 yards.

The reasons for this letter were prompted by the story of Rakesh Kumar who wants to open a traditional chip shop in Trent Vale, which will also serve authentic Indian meals. Sorry Mrs Kumar, that isn't a traditional chip shop.

I am all for normal fish and chip shops. My auntie owned one, my mum worked in one and I even tried to open one myself in the Milton/Baddeley Green area. After making a lot of enquiries, locals said they would love to see a fish and chip shop. But unfortunately, after many phone calls to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, I was told there would be no chance at all. Are we really getting fed up with curries and kebabs? Probably not, but it does seem a lot easier to open some types of takeaways than a traditional chip shop. Anybody know why?

T ANSELL

Baddeley Green