Leeds chippy owner defends 'vastly improved' Richmond Hill area and his plan to sell alcohol to customers

An east Leeds chippy owner has defended his local area, following claims his plan to sell alcohol may make crime in the neighbouring streets worse.
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Ajit Sidhu, who runs Ivy Mount Fisheries in Richmond Hill, had asked for permission to sell alcohol to customers alongside food orders.

But the idea had been opposed by three local councillors, who each signed a letter describing "drink related antisocial behaviour and violence" taking place on the doorsteps of residents.

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But Mr Sidhu told a licensing hearing on Tuesday that he was unhappy with how his application, and Richmond Hill itself, had been portrayed.

Ivy Mount Fisheries in Richmond Hill.Ivy Mount Fisheries in Richmond Hill.
Ivy Mount Fisheries in Richmond Hill.

Although he'd asked for blanket permission to sell alcohol until midnight every night of the week, Mr Sidhu said the shop would continue to close at 8pm most days.

He said he wanted flexibility to occasionally open later on "one-off" occasions, such as on Good Friday or around Christmas.

He told the meeting: "I've got a couple of properties in the area so I've known the area for about 10 years and it's certainly much better than it was before.

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"I think it's totally unfair for the area to be branded as violent.

"Speaking to the local community I picked up some outrage from them about how it was portrayed in the press.

"I've not witnessed any anti-social behaviour since I started running the shop in October.

"I know the area did have a bit of a reputation. When I first moved in many years ago I could see it had been a bad area. But it's improved vastly since then."

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None of those who had objected to the application attended the hearing.

Dad-of-three Mr Sidhu acknowledged that litter was a problem locally, but said he would ensure his shop front was clean and said he woud challenge anyone he saw dropping rubbish.

He also insisted he would avoid selling alcopops or high-strength ciders for fear of attracting young anti-social drinkers.

He added: "The idea behind this is in response to public demand. It's mature customers who've requested this and they're the ones I'm wanting to cater for.

"It's beers, ales and wines I'm looking to sell."

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A panel of three councillors adjourned for a brief period to consider the application, but when the hearing reconvened Mr Sidhu was not present.

The chair, Coun Al Garthwaite, said the result would be confirmed in writing in the coming days.

Local Democracy Reporting Service