Demolition plans for chip shop have turned family’s lives ‘upside down’
BUSINESS OWNER SAYS HIS LIVELIHOOD IS AT STAKE
The whole point of this was to have something to give to my kids.
Bambos Charalambous
THE owner of a chip shop in Arnold has spoken of how plans to demolish the building he rents cast a shadow over his family’s Christmas.
The proposal for 135-141 Front Street involves the creation of nine one- or two-bedroom apartments as well as a ground level commercial unit after the demolition of four high street shops.
Bambos Charalambous, 50, the owner of Blue Circles Fish Bar, whose family have run the shop since 1990, told the Post he was “gutted” when he found out about the plans.
He said: “I’ve heard nothing from the landlord still which is very frustrating with this being my livelihood.
“We hoped it wouldn’t be hanging over our family at Christmas time.
“Ever since we found out about the demolition plans it has been a whirlwind, life has been crazy.
“It could make the new year really challenging for my entire family.”
A number of Mr Charalambous’s 15 children have worked in the chippy and his father had previously worked there.
“We are trying to get on with things as much as we can but the whole point of this was to have something to give to my kids,” Mr Charalambous said.
“The way it is going now I would not be able to give them anything. Everyone in the family has had their life turned upside down.
“I have brought a lot of my kids up here, to be hard-working and to earn something for yourself and now that place might be gone.”
After hearing of the plans to demolish the shop fronts on Front Street a petition was set up by locals to oppose them, which has reached more than 1,600 signatures.
Mr Charalambous added: “It’s very nice to hear about the petition but it has been so crazy I don’t think I had even seen it. I am so thankful that we have a lot of people on our side. I think we have contributed a lot to the community, we’ve been here a long time and my children are branching out into their own businesses.
“The council has even come down and said that if I get kicked out they will do what they can to help me.”
The application, submitted by Michael Zucker, is currently pending review by Gedling Borough Council.
A decision on the plans is expected to be made in the new year.