The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Community campaign for statue of chip shop owner
Leven people want to see ‘character’ who served town for more than 50 years recognised
A community campaign has been launched in a bid to honour a Leven legend.
Giovanni Del Forno, the owner of Del Forno’s fish and chip shop, passed away last week, prompting a public campaign to have a statue erected in his memory.
Having literally served the community for more than 50 years, in excess of 1,800 people have so far signed an online petition in support of plans to establish a permanent tribute to the popular shopkeeper.
Aaron Duncan, who launched the campaign, said that he had only fond memories of Mr Del Forno.
“So many people knew him very well,” said the 18-year-old digital media producer.
“He was such a character and always cracking jokes.
“Sometimes he would take the mickey out of you and he was always such a nice person.
“Everybody seemed to know him around here and it would be nice to get a statue somewhere on Scoonie Road.”
Mr Del Forno was believed to be aged 92 at the time of his passing.
Having moved to Scotland from his native Italy in 1952 in search of work, Mr Del Forno established his famous chip shop in 1962.
Living above his shop in a small flat, he was hugely popular with locals young and old, selling traditional sweets alongside the catch of the day.
Such was his popularity, customers would send postcards to their favourite chippy whilst travelling abroad on holiday, while Mr Del Forno and his shop, complete with its art deco interior, were even the subject of an online documentary filmed in 2009.
Dave Paterson, Fife Council’s community manager for Levenmouth, said that the region would listen to any suitable suggestions for a memorial.
“These types of projects are primarily led by the community.
“We support community groups and organisations with, for example, any permissions needed around the installation and location.
“If he hasn’t already done so, Mr Duncan might want to take this to Leven community council and raise it as a project with them.”