IT’S PC GONE M-M-M-MAD
Safety nuts try to shut TV’s iconic Open All Hours shop
A SHOP that inspired hit telly show Open All Hours may be forced to close for good – after a single health and safety complaint.
Goods displayed outside, just like stuttering Albert Arkwright’s store in the BBC comedy, are a “danger” to the public, investigators have been told.
A SHOPKEEPER whose store inspired hit show Open All Hours has said he may be forced to close thanks to a single health and safety complaint.
LE Riddiford, which has been trading since 1928, has goods stacked outside just like Albert Arkwright’s store in the BBC classic.
Show creator Roy Clarke was reportedly fascinated by the shop and its long family history after visiting Thornbury, Glos, and the idea for Open All Hours was formed.
It starred Ronnie Barker as shopkeeper Arkwright and Sir David Jason as his longsuffering nephew Granville.
But after just a single complaint by a resident who claimed the packed pavements presented a danger, the council launched an investigation.
Now current owner John Riddiford, 53, said it might be time “to call it a day” as he fears he could be forced to shut without placing goods outside due to limited space inside. More than 2,400 people have rallied behind the popular business and signed a petition calling on South Gloucestershire Council to let him use the pavement.
Posting on Facebook Mr Riddiford said: “You may have noticed that the front of the shop is set out a bit differently today.
“That is because yesterday 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 it.
“She was very professional, polite and constructive but said that we needed to alter how our goods are laid out outside the shop. Without using outside the shop would not take enough money to be sustainable.”
The store has had four generations of the Riddiford family serving behind the counter.
One outraged local called it a “disgrace that Riddiford’s wonderful displays are even called into question”.
Another said it was “tough for small businesses on the high street without the council poking its nose in where it doesn’t belong”.
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