RORY CELEBRATES IMMINENT OPENING OF NEW ‘SHAP CHIPPY’

Rory paid a visit to Shap on Monday, where he met with locals and discussed concerns with residents at his street surgery outside the Shap Co-op store.

He also took the opportunity to meet with Georgina Perkins, new proprietor of the Shap Chippy, at the premises – currently being refurbished in advance of its imminent opening this week. The local MP was able to meet with local contractors and take a tour of the chip-shop, which will reinvigorate Shap’s main street by providing fish and chips to hungry locals.

Rory said: “Shap’s main street has bags of potential, and so I’m incredibly pleased to see the chip shop reopening, after a lull in business. I know that Shap has missed having access to good fish and chips, and I certainly look forward to being a customer. I wish Georgina and her team every success with the opening, encourage everyone to come and sample their fare, and look forward to visiting the chip shop myself as soon as I can.”

Georgina Perkins said: “We took possession of the shop at the end of February, since when we have had great service from our local tradesmen. Dealing with the national companies has been very trying but our electricians, joiner, plumber, decorators and roofers have been on hand – often at the drop of a hat – to help out with the next problem and to lift our spirits when required. We are nearing the end of the building work now and are buoyed by the interest and enthusiasm we have had from so many people as they walk by and wish us luck. We have a great team of young people lined up to work with us and we are all looking forward to serving – and eating! – fish and chips starting later this week. In due course we will be opening Tuesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner. The story can be found on our website. www.ShapChippy.co.uk with some of the aforementioned workers tucking into fish, chips, mushy peas and fish cakes!”

“Shap has taken a few knocks recently with the chip shop and two pubs being closed. We hope that The Greyhound can be leased for a sensible amount to someone who cares about Shap and hospitality soon – other businesses, ours included, needs it.”

Rory was delighted to learn that local tradesmen were involved in the project: he joins Georgina Perkins in thanking the team, including electricians Simon Bentley and Steve Benson; joiner Dave Law; plumbing by Sandy Carr; decorator Kevin Bush; and Mark Tooke roofers.