Chippy boss plans return after blaze

The blaze broke out at the Eating Plaice, Lord Street, at 10.20am on March 14.

Owner Ronnie Feathers spoke of his shock at finding the premises ablaze and firefighters tackling the fire.

The fire started after a member of staff has been cleaning the chip range.

The fire was tackled by two teams using breathing apparatus, a dry powder extinguisher and a ventilation unit, and the fire was extinguished by 11.30am. But by that stage the damage had been done.

Mr Feathers said: “I am just glad that nobody was hurt but it was a shock to get there and see the fire crew fighting the blaze.

“The range has been completely destroyed and I reckon it will cost roughly £20,000 to put the whole thing right.

“I am hoping the insurance can be sorted out and we can get back to running the Eating Plaice as soon as possible.”

The blaze, which began at the downstairs chip range, destroyed the range and caused smoke damage to the downstairs room.

Mr Feathers has worked at the takeaway and diner for 20 years, but has been the owner for the last 13 years and runs it with family members.

Before being involved in the fish and chip trade, Mr Feathers was a professional drummer and performed with the likes of Gary Glitter, Jimmy Page and Whitesnake.

Separate to The Eating Plaice, he has also plans to open a coffee shop at the former Richardson Fish bar on the corner of Poulton street and Lord Street.

He added: “The plan is to get the fish and chip shop up and running and also run the coffee shop.”

Some smoke damage also occurred at Jasmine’s Boutique next door.