Community staple chip shop serves its final portion as it succumbs to cost-of-living crisis

A fish and chip shop owner has served up his last scrapings more than 60 years after the business opened its doors.

Dennis Jackson, a staple part of the community in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, since 1961, said the cost-of-living crisis was partly to blame.

The 84-year-old hung up his apron for the final time when his shop closed on Saturday.

“We’ve been on the street for 62 years – it’s been fantastic,” he said.

Jackson’s Chippie, known locally as Jackos, first appeared in Market Street before moving to its current location, further down the same road, in 1982.

Mr Jackson said his decision to close was age-related and financial.

Chip shops have been particularly hit, due to the cost of sunflower oil and energy.

Mr Jackson said he had found business was no longer “feasible”.

“My gas has just been quadrupled,” he said. “The electric – I dread to think what it could be; [increases to bills] seem to be a never-ending affair.”

He said he was looking forward to “slowing down” in retirement.

Mr Jackson added: “My wife seems to think I really ought to pack it in otherwise there won’t be any time left for us to spend together. For a long time we’ve been like ships in the night!

“People ask if I’m going to book a holiday? No. I’m just looking forward to slowing down. I am going to enjoy the slowness of everything.”

Regular customers queued at the front door ahead of its final opening at 11:00.

Among those in line was local MP for Erewash, Maggie Throup.

“It’s the end of an era,” she said. “A sad day for all fish and chip lovers in the area.

“I wanted to come along to recognise what Dennis, his wife and his team have done for the whole of the community. He’s an amazing character and has still been busy frying to the end.”

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Community staple chip shop serves its final portion as it succumbs to cost-of-living crisis