Newton Abbot chip shop owners speak out after fire devastates building

The owners of a fish and chip shop in Newton Abbot have issued a statement after a fire ravaged through their shop. Fire crews were called to Market Fish and Chips, on Market Street, shortly before 8pm on Sunday, October 20 after a blaze broke out in one of the fryers.

The restaurant suffered severe damage in the fire, with both the building and equipment damaged. Sharing an update with patrons on Facebook, bosses said the shock incident also left them in a state of "distress".

The building was quickly evacuated and fire crews got to work limiting the spread of the flames. A statement from the owners said: "We feel lucky and grateful that no-one was hurt or injured as the fire broke out while we and the staff were working, and we managed to evacuate in time."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "It started at 7.50pm, smoke was seen issuing from the property and we sent five fire appliances. There was a fire in one of the fryers and the shop was evacuated.

"The fire spread to the extraction system and the flat roof, which was well alight. An additional three appliances were mobilised, and an aerial ladder platform was being used to contain the fire.

"The fire involved the kitchen and shop front. We’ve had at least one appliance there overnight, but the fire is now out. There was severe fire and smoke damage to the ground floor and slight smoke damage to the first floor residential flat above the shop."

The post goes on to thank members of the public for their support during the time. "Secondly, we want to say thank you to everyone who has shown their support publicly or in private and to the community in general who have through their offer to help, and kind words been very supportive," owners wrote.

"We are aware of social media posts, comments and replies. The majority of these have been so kind, and we couldn't thank you enough."

The business owners go on to ask social media users not to share negative or "untrue" posts about the take away while they go through "a very difficult period".

"We of course understand that we may not be your preferred take away or your cup of tea and respect your opinion however the situation at the moment is not about whether you like us or not," the post continues. "We are going through a very difficult time and looking at months of uncertainty. This is not just a business for us, it is also the livelihood of our staff and the place where we spend the majority of our time.

"We would therefore kindly ask that you do not share or encourage any negative or untrue posts/comments - some of these are downright insulting and anyone who knows us will know that we are incapable of some of the things alleged. If nothing else, we would not risk our lives or those of others for anything.

"At this point in time, we have not made any statement as to the cause of the fire or what we will do next so anything you see will not be true unless you see it here. Our immediate concern was to put the flames out and then to get it under control and now we are simply trying to digest it and seek answers from the experts. Our hope is that we will be able to repair and reopen."

The status clarifies that the business owners have not created a fundraising page and do not have plans to at this time: "Also, please note that we have not set up a GoFundMe or anything similar. We have also not asked anyone to set this up and, at the moment, have no intention of setting anything up. We are however grateful to anyone who has offered to help.

"We do not find it easy to express our feelings at the moment and hope that you will understand. We will inform and keep you updated of any progress. We hope to see you as soon as possible. Thank you again to anyone and everyone who has shown their support. Please stay safe!"