Unlucky for some

TAKE it away . . . Vince Wrigley outside his shop, next door to what could be another takeaway

A Yorkshire Street shopkeeper says enough is enough as plans for another hot food takeaway are considered by Oldham Council.

Vince Wrigley, owner of Babyland and Pramcots, has objected to a conversion scheme for the former furniture shop next door.

It would be the street’s 13th takeaway and would open from 4pm to 5am seven-days-a-week.

Mr Wrigley, who has been in business for 18 years, said: “There are too many takeaways in Yorkshire Street. Do we really need another?

“I am speaking on behalf of the daytime traders. I do feel beleaguered.

“We still have shops like a photographer’s, furniture store, and fashion retailer.

“But when shops close they are mainly replaced by takeaways and taxi firms — it’s not really a shopping street any more.”

The application is to convert the former Seven Day Discount furniture shop into a takeaway, with a flat above, new shop front and extraction flue at the rear.

Yorkshire Street, from St Mary’s Way to the Rhodes Bank junction, has 12 takeaways — five kebab shops, two Chinese, two pizza places, one fried chicken shop, a chippy and a cafe — plus restaurants, pubs and bars.

Mr Wrigley added: “Customers already come into my shop and say they can smell burgers.

“So any more will have an adverse impact on clients, such as expectant mothers visiting the shop.”

Mr Wrigley has also objected about the possible obstruction of rear access to his shop down a narrow alleyway and increased potential for anti-social behaviour.