'Worry and regret' as popular chippy goes up for sale amid cost of living crisis

Starfish Traditional Fish & Chips on Hickings Lane, in Stapleford, has been put on the market after rising bills means the owner can no longer afford to run the business.

Councillor Richard MacRae, former Broxtowe mayor and regular customer, said it is a sad loss for the area.

He said: “I officially opened the chip shop in February 2015 and have been a regular customer ever since.

“It is with deep regret that I am letting people know it is now for sale.

“The present owner does not want to sell and he, alongside his staff, have become a well-loved part of our local community.

“But energy costs, cost of the food they sell, business rates and other bills have meant they now need to put the much-loved business on the market.

“They simply can't afford to run it anymore.”

The councillor is concerned the sale may be a troubling omen of things to come.

He said: “The question is, is this the first chip shop to suffer due to the rise in the cost of living and will others follow?

“We have some amazing local chip shops and I wish them all the best and wish to see them all remain as I am sure others do.

“We need our MPs and our Government to act before many more businesses go up for sale.

“The way things are going simply can't carry on."