Chip Shop Defends Itself After Huge Queues Form For 45p Fish And Chips

A fish and chip shop has responded after photos taken yesterday showed huge crowds of people gathered outside to take advantage of a special offer.

Mother Hubbard's in Bradford was flogging portions of fish and chips for just 45p yesterday, resulting in 'hundreds' of people turning up.

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Images shared online showed massive queues as people waited to get their hands on some cut price fish and chips, but local residents expressed concern after seeing that social distancing was not being followed.

Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus, a resident who filmed the scene said: "Absolutely shocking, people queuing like sardines, no social distancing, no masks - and all for 45p fish and chips."

In images and footage shared online, barriers could be seen outside the shop in an attempt to keep the queue of people in order, while masks and hand sanitiser were also reportedly available to customers who were waiting.

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In response to the online backlash, a spokesperson from the Mother Hubbard's told the Telegraph and Argus that the snaps 'don't tell the full story' and measures had been taken to ensure customer safety.

The spokesperson said: "Our priority is to keep the public and our staff safe, that is always our intention. In the videos and pictures, the scene did look chaotic, but they don't tell the full story.

"We had professional barriers in place, we had markings on the ground so people could socially distance, we were giving out masks and hand sanitiser to the customers and only two to three people were allowed inside the store at one time."

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The spokesperson continued: "We can understand why people have perceived the scenes negatively, but we tried our best to manage things.

"In 1972, Mother Hubbard's was opened by Coronation Street stars Bernard Youens and Jean Alexander, who played characters Stan and Hilda Ogden, and it sold fish and chips for just 45p.

"We made this decision in the name of community spirit - everyone has had a tough time due to Covid-19, so we wanted to give something back.

"It was all about bringing back the nostalgia of 1972 and supporting the local community."

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19