FOOD VAN BACKED
BACKING FOR ‘SPLASH WAGON’ OVER THREAT POSED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT OF STATION STREET
THE owner of a Burton “splash wagon” says she has received ‘unbelievable’ support from Burton Mail readers concerned about the uncertain future of her food van as part of the Station Street revamp plan.
Deborah Brown, 50, is the face of the business that has been serving customers for nearly 30 years. But it has been told by East Staffordshire Borough Council it can be given “no guarantee” of a return to the street after the “seven-figure” regeneration project is completed next year.
Mrs Brown, 50, said of Mail readers’ support: “It’s unbelievable. The public do love us, I must admit. We just have great banter with them, everyone’s so friendly. We’ve been there nearly 30 years and we’ve got to know the people and the regulars.
“I have to say I would be very sad if we had to stay away. “Station Street is where we’re established, we’re part of the street. But it’s just thanks to Joe Public for their response – it’s great how much they have supported us.”
One of those concerned about the food van’s future is Burton Soup Kitchen manager Mick Cramp, 72, who has had an arrangement for homeless people to get free bacon and sausage cobs from the wagon for the past three years. He said: “In my opinion, the van needs to move back to Station Street after the works are done.” Many of the positive messages for the splash wagon have come from Facebook users. One wrote: “The splash van is a part of Burton.
“Almost everyone who visits Burton does not understand what a sausage splash is – it is part of the local culture.”
Another pledged to “boycott Burton town centre” if the splash wagon was forced to leave.
Councillor Julia Jessel, deputy leader for regeneration at the council, did not refer to the food van specifically, but said of the Station Street scheme: “I’m afraid disruption is going to happen and we are very conscious of that and we will work with all traders to minimise it.”