A COMMUNITY owned fish and chip shop has opened its doors in Chelmsley Wood.
A cohesive campaign came to an end as local businesses, a community centre and a church combined to deliver local residents a new take-away option with a twist.
Chelmund’s Fish and Chips is situated in Chester Road, near Solihull and is owned and operated by the groups responsible for its creation.
It has been hailed by one Solihull councillor as, quite possibly, ‘the only chippy in the country that’s also a social enterprise’.
The fish and chip shop is run by the community centre, Three Trees, an associated community cafe called the Olive Branch Kitchen, the churches in the area and a business assistance group, Development in Social Enterprise.
It is understood the architects of the not-for-profit chip shop intend for all revenue to be injected back into the community.
Jobs will be made available to those who have previously suffered unemployment.
Chelmsley Wood councillor Chris Williams: “I’m in awe of the local people who’ve put so much work into bringing our new chip shop to the area.
“We think this is the only chippy in the country that’s also a social enterprise and the fact it’s in Chelmsley Wood makes me really proud.
“We’re a special community and for the first time I can now eat chips without any guilt whatsoever, knowing all the profits go back in to local community projects.
“This is even more valuable right now given Solihull council are so keen to cut back on supporting community work.”
Others reacted on Twitter and shared photos of the shops first few days.
Resident Anthony GribbenLisle tweeted: “Looking for a bit of old fashioned community spirit? Try the queue outside @chelmundschippy for their grand opening tonight! It’s -5, the wind is bitter, it’s snowing, and the lady in front of me offered me the use of her hat. That’s what its all about!”
