Chelmsley Wood chippy approaches first anniversary

A COMMUNITY-run chippy is set to celebrate its first anniversary.
Chelmund's Fish and Chips opened its doors to the public on March 1 2018, with freezing temperatures and falling snow failing to keep customers from the door.
While the outlet closed a short time later to tackle teething problems, it reopened a few weeks later and is now preparing to celebrate the 12 month milestone.
Posting on Facebook, the social enterprise thanked locals for their support over the course of the past year.
"We can't believe it's been nearly a year we've been open!
"We started the chippy when we saw the opportunity for the community to own and run its own business. We've learned a lot over the year and most of it has been fun!
"Chelmsley Wood is a great place to be and we are proud that our community has achieved this, the UK's first and only community-owned chippy."
The business, which took on one of the new retail units at Chelmund's Cross, is unique in that its profits are ploughed back into various community projects.
Several years' planning went into the project, which is a joint venture between Three Trees community centre, Development in Social Enterprise, Olive Branch Kitchen and Churches on Chelmund's Cross.
The idea has received a lot of national attention, including a visit from BBC's The One Show and praise from Hollywood actor Michael Sheen.
A number of special offers are due to be announced to tie in with the anniversary.