CLOSED ALL HOURS
Elf ’n’ safety launches probe after ONE complaint about fruit and veg boxes outside shop. Now the inspiration for Ronnie Barker sitcom could be ...
‘We’re full to burst in here’
The fruit and veg is neatly stacked outside under the large window, while inside the owner is bustling away behind his counter.
It is an image of a bygone era that helped cement Britain’s reputation as a nation of shopkeepers.
And it is also a scene that is instantly recognisable to a generation brought up on Ronnie Barker’s comedy classic Open All hours – missing only miserly Arkwright plotting ways to make more mur-mur-mur-money.
But the L e Riddiford store in Thornbury, Gloucestershire – which has barely changed since opening in 1928 and was the inspiration for the sitcom’s creator Roy Clarke – is now under threat.
The cause? A single complaint that sparked a health and safety investigation over fears the pavement display could block wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Owner John Riddiford, 53, said: ‘We had a visit from a very nice lady from South Gloucestershire Council as someone had brought it to their attention about our goods outside on the pavement, and she had come to investigate.
‘She was very professional, polite and constructive but said we needed to alter how our goods are laid out outside the shop.
‘But we need to utilise the space outside the shop as we have limited space inside without major alterations and the shop possibly losing its character.
‘It encourages customers in to buy things. Without using outside, the shop would not take enough money to be sustainable.’
For four generations the Riddiford family have sold their wares in boxes neatly stacked outside their cramped shop. Open All hours creator Mr Clarke spotted it while travelling around the South West and used it as the basis for his classic sitcom, starring the late Ronnie Barker as Arkwright and a young David Jason as his downtrodden nephew and assistant, Granville.
The shop’s name is referenced in numerous episodes of the BBC sitcom, a family favourite which aired for ten years during the 1970s and 1980s.
Mr Riddiford added: ‘ We thought most enjoyed the display outside and we get many compliments on it and the atmosphere it creates.
‘Many of our customers have mobility scooters and wheelchairs and they don’t have an issue getting in or out.
‘We’re full to burst in here and don’t have any space. Our only option is to put things outside.’
More than 2,400 customers had last night signed a petition calling on the council to drop its investigation. Council leader Toby Savage said: ‘Following any complaint, regardless of nature, the council is obliged to investigate, and in this instance it saw one of our officers visit Riddiford’s.
‘We understand and appreciate residents’ views over the outcome. The council remains supportive of our high streets, and had Riddiford’s been asked to remove their entire display, as a resident born and brought up around Thornbury, I would have been among the first to sign the petition.’