Too many chippies is a frying shame (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Too many chippies is a frying shame

Concerns over the number of takeaways in Moredon were raised at Swindon Council's planning committee meeting.

An application to convert 7 Moredon Road into a hot food and drink shop met with opposition at this week's meeting.

There are already two hot food takeaways on Moredon Road and one being built.

There is also another chip shop down the road.

Residents are concerned an additional outlet would cause parking problems and add to congestion and litter.

Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "There is no urban shopping. When people get older like me they can't start walking to Asda and Tesco.

"People need a variety and balanced shopping. A balanced area is not four takeaways and a fish and chip shop."

Committee vice chairman Maurice Fanning (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) said: "I hear all the concerns and I think what we have got to do is go and look at the area for ourselves."

Members of the committee voted for a site visit to be carried out before making their final decision.