Sheffield shop says Clean Air Zone has forced them to relocate
The owners of a shop said they have been forced to relocate their business after the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) "killed" their trade.Family-run Yorkshire Decorators Centre has been based on West Bar in Sheffield for 22 years, but has lost £50,000 in takings and regular customers since the low-emissions scheme was introduced.Under CAZ restrictions in the city centre and inner ring road, the most polluting vehicles, including HGVs, buses, coaches, motorhomes and vans are charged to enter the zone.The shop's director, Tony Gallagher, said a number of traffic schemes had impacted on footfall and led to the decision to move to new premises in Darnall.
He also cited the loss of convenient parking since the construction of the nearby Dutch-style roundabout.He said the business "would not survive" if it remained in its present location as many of its customers were traders with older vans, who were liable to pay the CAZ charge of £10 per day.Mr Gallagher's co-director, Laura Whiting, said the fee was often more than the price of the goods the decorators visited the shop to buy."Why would you want to pay £10 to just come and pick up a tin of paint, a roller sleeve, or a paintbrush? Obviously, they're going to take their business elsewhere," she said.Mr Gallagher said customers were often self-employed and could not afford to upgrade their vans to cleaner alternatives.Sheffield City Council has run a scheme offering grants for vehicle upgrades, but funding comes to an end in May.Mr Gallagher said that though he supported the aims of the CAZ, he was not convinced it had reduced pollution around the city as a whole."These tradesmen with vans are now going around the city, so all that air they're expelling from the centre is going to the residential areas around Sheffield - I think it's counter-productive."He claimed there had been "no communication" between his business and the council about the issue.Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: "Consumer behaviour continues to change post-pandemic, and businesses, like Yorkshire Decorating Centre, will make their own commercial decisions about where to base themselves."We've been monitoring vehicle movements following the launch of the CAZ and there hasn't been a decline in the number of vans travelling within the zone."He added that 88% of vans travelling through the city centre had been replaced with cleaner vehicles and overall the number of high-emissions vehicles had dropped by 70%.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
The best fish and chip shops in Wales according to the people who know best
The best fish and chip shops in Wales according to the people who know best National Fish and Chip Day is the perfect time to indulge in the treat Page's Fish & Chips in Cwmbran is one of the establishments on the list (Image: Page's Fish & Chips/Facebook ) Today marks an important day in the calendar - National Fish and Chip Day. There's little that can compare to venturing to your local favourite for a delectable serving of cod and chips and today is the perfect day for it. A fish and chip supper is a treat we simply can't resist, and it's one of the nation's favourite takeaway options - particularly during the summer months when beach outings and evenings lounging by the seafront are commonplace. The succulent flakes of cod encased in golden batter, served with piping hot chips and lashings of vinegar... just thinking about them makes us hungry. Whether you're partial to a cod bite, a sausage-in-batter, or curry sauce, there are plenty of fish and chip shops in Wales serving up the most tantalising portions. From the shores of north Wales to the market towns of the south, you'll find a chippy whose offerings are as breathtaking as the views that surround it. Here, in no particular order, are the Welsh chippies that should be on your list, whether you're local or just passing through.... 1. Caersws Fish Bar When one of Wales' - and indeed the UK's - top chefs (none other than Ynyshir's Gareth Ward) recommends a fish and chip shop as one of his three top places to eat ever, you don't question it. You can read all about Caersws' story here, reports Wales Online. Owner Tim Harrison prides himself on experimenting with new, exciting dishes for his chippy, including sourdough batter, Parsi-style masala battered fish, Koji Fried Chicken - his take on KFC but with fermented ingredients - and much more. This truly is a fish bar with a 'really cool' difference. Article continues below Where: 2 Cwrt Swswen, Station Road, Caersws SY17 5EQ Caersws Fish Bar (Image: Tim Harrison ) 2. Victoria Fish Bar On a chilly, dark autumn evening, the bright lights of Victoria Fish Bar invite in hungry patrons, offering comforting fish and chips with crispy batter embracing thick cuts of cod. Where: 41 Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1AB The team at the Victoria Fish Bar in Whitchurch (Image: Victoria Fish Bar ) 3. The Mermaid This Barmouth-based chippy was the only other Welsh establishment recognised by The Times in 2023 as one of the UK's best. It was described as: "What beverage pairs best with fish and chips? Champagne? An unoaked chardonnay? A pint of bitter? All are good, but none beats a mug of tea. "In most chippies that's a teabag on a string in a polystyrene cup, but at the Mermaid (established 1964) it comes out of a metal pot, strong and slightly overstewed - the perfect accompaniment to a crunchy fillet of battered cod and crisp yet fluffy chips." Sounds lush. Where: Jubilee Road, Barmouth LL42 1LT 4. O My Cod Not only is O My Cod a scrumptious fish bar in Bridgend, but it's also an award-winning one. The chippy has been recognised not just for its top-notch food but also for its charitable endeavours. The chippy regularly provides hearty meals to local homeless individuals and fundraises for local charities - Hope Rescue for abandoned dogs and the Tŷ Hafan children's hospice. Not to forget, it has bagged the Blue Ribbon in Good Food award for Fish and Chips - its ingredients are locally sourced, fresh and it boasts an extensive gluten-free and vegetarian menu. Where: 66 Nolton St, Bridgend CF31 3BP 5. Hikary's Fish Bar This chip shop is a firm favourite amongst the residents of Neath and Port Talbot. With numerous prestigious awards to its name, its fresh and high-quality menu is cooked and fried using groundnut oil, making it a deliciously healthy takeaway option. Alongside staple options like fishcakes, scampi, jumbo sausages and traditional cod, they offer burgers, halloumi fries and even jacket potatoes. Plus, they were recently named as one of six Welsh fish and chip shops listed in the UK's Top 50. Where: 74 Briton Ferry Road, Neath Hikary's Fish Bar (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) 6. Môr Ffein This stunning shop offers traditional fish and chips daily, but it also serves special menus for when you fancy treating yourself or your loved ones. And it's not just fish you'll find. You can indulge in pulled pork, vegan chilli, and even a cheesecake or two – we're salivating at the thought. Where: 2 High Street, St Dogmaels, SA43 3ED Môr Ffein (Image: Môr Ffein Llandudoch / Instagram ) 7. The Creel This snug, family-run chippy exudes warmth and friendliness. With its proximity to the port ensuring the freshest of fare, it's no wonder TripAdvisor is awash with glowing reviews. One visitor wrote: "Amazing fish and chips. Just freshly made. Good price. Friendly staff and helpful. Nice wee sitting area outside. Well worth a visit." Where: 84 High St, Porthmadog LL49 9NW 8. Dorothy's Fish Bar A night out in Cardiff isn't complete without a jaunt down Caroline Street, affectionately dubbed Chippy Lane, culminating in a feast at Dorothy's. Whether it's classic fish and chips, Welsh favourite chips and curry sauce, or another takeaway delight, missing out on Dorothy's means missing out on a true Cardiff experience. Since it opened in 1953, this enduring family-run chippy has become an institution for satisfying those fish and chip cravings, whether it's lunchtime or the early hours. Where: 39-40 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FF 9. Cardiff Arms Fish Bar The new proprietors of this Rhondda chip shop have inherited years of fish supper history from the Italian family who previously ran it for decades. They've also taken over the iconic cafe next door, giving both a modern makeover whilst maintaining the familiar feel of their predecessors. Alongside classic fish suppers (quality fish, light batter, generous portions), they've updated the menu to include burgers, loaded fries, an expanded range of seafood delights and a rotating selection of homemade fishcakes and rissoles. Where: 147-148 Bute St, Treorchy CF42 6BN 10. Beales Beales offers beautifully crunchy batter that's not at all greasy, succulent flakes of fish, and chips that are fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside. Everything is served in a cardboard box and is always fresh and tasty. Expect queues at any time of day. Where: 2-3 Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl CF36 5TS 11. Off the Hook Bistro Boasting a stunning location overlooking Broad Haven beach, Off the Hook serves up fantastic fish and chips with equally impressive views - and the portions are huge. The batter is light without being greasy and the chips are simply divine. Most of their menu can also be made gluten-free - just let them know your preference. Where: 2 Marine Rd, Broad Haven, Haverfordwest SA62 3JR 12. Penaluna's Famous Fish and Chips This family-owned chippy has received numerous awards for its fish and chips. The shop only purchases fish that has been processed and frozen at sea within six hours of being caught. Where: 36 High St, Hirwaun, CF44 9SW 13. Hiks This Swansea-based chip shop boasts a 42-seater restaurant adjacent to its original site. They place a strong emphasis on freshness, with all cod cooked to order. Their menu includes meal deals, desserts, and a build-your-own-burger option. Where: 189 Llangyfelach Rd, Brynhyfryd, Swansea SA5 9LE 14. The BoatHouse Fish Bar Experience the full package at this traditional fish shop located right on the seafront. Jessica and Chris, who are graduates of the Frying School of Excellence, offer a wide variety of fish options. If you're feeling adventurous, give their Irish curry or fishcake special a try. Where: 36 Esplanade, Porthcawl CF36 3YR 15. Boofy's Chips always taste better by the seaside, and the ones served at Boofy's are no exception. Expect generous portions, golden chips, and perfectly-cooked fish. This chip shop, which featured in the BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, offers gluten-free chips every day. However, gluten-free fish is only available on weekends and must be ordered in advance. Where: 2 Western Arcade, Barry CF62 5TQ 16. O'Shea's Nowadays, O'Shea's and Boofy's are situated adjacent to one another, both renowned for their delicious fish and chips. Some patrons may be loyal to one shop, while others might alternate visits or make a spontaneous decision. Either way, those visiting Barry Island won't be disappointed when choosing between the Western Arcade pair. Where: 1 Western Arcade, Barry CF62 5TQ 17. Hennighan's Top Shop As a family-run enterprise, this fish and chip shop has consistently served high-quality food with impeccable customer service for over four decades. From its humble beginnings in a converted corner shop, the business has continued to impress multiple generations of customers in Machynlleth. Where: 123 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8EF Hennighan's Top Shop (Image: Hennighan's Top Shop/Facebook ) 18. Chippy Dre-Sglod a Cod With a glowing review, calling it the "best fish and chips in Gwynedd" from one TripAdvisor user and boasting an unrivaled five-star rating, this fish and chip shop exceeds customer expectations. Where: 11-13 Church Street, Tremadog LL49 9RA 19. Fish Kitchen 1854 Having transformed from an abandoned Chinese restaurant, the updated establishment has evolved into this chic, family-friendly fish and chip shop, a place that seems to have resonated well within the community. Reviews praised both the culinary delights and the outstanding service. Menu highlights include crispy prawn offerings, fishcakes, and locally-grown onion rings. Also, look out for gluten-free dinner nights. Where: 58 Main Road, Maesycwmmer, Hengoed 20. Johnnies If you're a local to Mumbles, you're likely a regular at Johnnies, a true gem of a fish and chip shop that's an unmissable spot. Expect to join a queue, particularly on weekends, but the wait is rewarded with generous portions served in boxes and curry sauce that's simply perfect; a real hit with families. Where: 2a Chapel Street, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4NH 21. The Posh Fish and Chip Company For scrumptious fish dishes and friendly service, The Posh Fish and Chip Company in Cardiff is a must-visit venue. Fine options include succulent lobster and homemade fishcakes made in-house. Where: 1, Llantrisant Road Retail Park, Llantrisant Rd, Cardiff CF5 2BF 22. Plassey Fish Bar Seeking a hefty helping of splendidly fried fish and chips? Make your way to Plassey Fish Bar, just off Penarth's High Street. One happy customer wrote on their Facebook page: "The best chip shop in Penarth when you see a queue down the street you know it's going to be good and the staff are nice I wouldn't go anywhere else. 5 stars." Where: 87 Plassey Street, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1EP 23. Les and Rita's Fish Bar Recognised by The Times as one of the UK's top fish and chip shops, Les and Rita's has been a staple for over 50 years, perfecting their craft of delivering top-notch fish and chips. The establishment was lauded for its traditional fish supper with bread that is neither "artisan nor sourdough", and its nostalgic décor. Chris Haslam, The Times' travel editor, wrote about the 55-year-old chippy: "Les and Rita Pidduck began selling chip suppers in Rhyl 55 years ago and the contemporary art adorning the walls of their shop on Wellington Road, a mere 10-minute stroll from the promenade, does little to alter the feeling that you've stepped back into the Swinging Sixties.... opting for takeaway would be missing out here. Instead, choose a booth - crafted from authentic vinyl and genuine Formica - and order a sit-down supper of fish, chips, mushy peas and bread that is neither artisan nor sourdough." Where: 28 Wellington Rd, Rhyl LL18 1BN 24. Yan's Fish Bar, Cardiff The chip shop in Cardiff has been dishing out proper traditional fish and chips since 1969, priding itself on using the freshest ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. Their curry gravy and batter mix are unique to their kitchen. Where: 182 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3NB Yans Fish Bar 25. Page's Fish and Chips With nearly seven decades of experience, this establishment is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to crispy calamari, Thai crab cakes, and breaded whitebait. Where: Woodside Road, Cwmbran NP44 3EW (also a branch in Sebastopol!) 26. Finney's at The Golden Fry Catering to gluten-free diets with everything from vinegar to batter, The Golden Fry stands out for its fresh, sustainable fish and specials like battered smoked haddock, not to mention their new burger range. A chippy tea from here is sure to be a hit. They also have another location in Amlwch. Where: The Square, Benllech, Anglesey, LL74 8SN/1 Quay St, Amlwch Port, Amlwch LL68 9HD 27. Ship Deck As for the chips... : "Ship Deck's chips tasted good and we had a generous portion of them." Where: Newport Road, Trethomas, Caerphilly CF83 8BR Ryan Hughes of Ship Deck (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) 28. Catch Cymru Tucked away halfway down a tranquil back street in the heart of town, this Welsh fish bar 'with a difference' may be inconspicuously located, but its reputation is anything but hidden. Since opening, it has become the talk of the town, propelled by glowing word-of-mouth recommendations. Online reviews from thrilled customers speak volumes. "Gorgeous breaded sea bass and homemade tartare sauce, haddock burger delicious and best chips I've eaten in ages. Will definitely be back," one customer wrote. Another review said: "Honestly the nicest fish and chips I've had! We also tried the halloumi fries on the side and the homemade coleslaw - both were beautiful. Would 100% recommend - well worth the trip up from Swansea!". Where: Red Lion Lane, Guildhall Square, Carmarthen SA31 1PN Catch Cymru (Image: Catch Cymru ) 29. Enoch's With a blend of "new skool attitude" and "old skool roots", Enoch's, an award-winning fish and chip shop in North Wales, boasts a rich history dating back to 1969 when it was first opened by fish merchant Arthur Enoch Hughes. Danny White-Meir took the helm in 2006, continuing the legacy with a promise that Enoch's fish and chips offer an unparalleled taste experience. Notably, they claim to be one of the few fish and chip shops globally to fry their food in a special high-oleic sunflower oil, which is heart-friendly. Their thick-cut chips are double-fried to achieve a divine texture. Where: 146 Conwy Road, Conwy, LL31 9DU 30. Ainsworth's Fish and Chip Shop This small chip shop has been recognised amongst the UK's 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish and Chip Restaurants 2022/2023 by Fry Magazine. Despite its modest size, it packs a punch with its flavours. Customers have lauded their 'lovely batter' and homemade mushy peas on their own website. Location: 41 Bridge St, Caernarfon LL55 1AF 31. The Lime Crab Offering a fresh take on the fish and chips market, this shop serves up traditional favourites alongside exciting options like lobster, deep-fried halloumi, and tempura-battered prawns. If you're after fish and chips with a twist, this is your spot. They even cater to dietary requirements with gluten-free and vegan options. Location: South John St, New Quay SA45 9NP The Lime Cab (Image: The Lime Cab/Facebook ) 32. Fish Tram Chips Restaurant This licensed café offers classic fish 'n' chips in a relaxed dining room complete with table linen. Situated at the top of a hill opposite the Great Orme Tramway (hence the name), it's well worth the climb. Both locals and tourists love it, and they serve beans and mushy peas in a separate dish to prevent your chips from getting soggy - a thoughtful touch! Location: 24 Old Rd, Llandudno LL30 2NB Article continues below
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Historic Aberdeen church building price slashed after failing to sell
The historic building was formerly the Rosemount Parish Church, but is now named The Father's House, after it was transformed into an event space with a cafe. The C-listed Gothic-style church was renovated to also include meeting rooms, letting rooms, and a function hall which can hold up to 300 people and is described as ideal for weddings, birthdays, and conferences. READ MORE: There is a genuine silver lining in the SNP by-election loss There are also 17 en suite living rooms, with a mix of singles and double beds, spread amongst the two floors as well as a lounge and dining room along with a private carpark at the side of the property. The building also housed the Aberdeen North Foodbank for two years until September 2024 which was run by the Christ Apostolic Church House of Prayer. Situated in Caroline Place, The Father's House is in a well-connected location in the Granite City, but has failed to sell. The Father's House was listed for sale in August 2022, with a guide price of £1.1 million. However, more than two and a half years later, the property remains unsold. A massive £400,000 was then slashed from the price, bringing the guide price to £700,000 and has since been cut once again to £650,000. Simon Watson, business agent at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale, said: 'The business is currently vacant and provides an excellent opportunity for an incoming operator or developer.'
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Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
How Edinburgh can bolster its position as a global asset management centre
PA Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The return to private ownership of Royal Bank of Scotland owner NatWest last month was an important bookend in the soul-searching about Edinburgh as a financial centre. While it's true that Bank of Scotland owner Lloyds employs about as many people in Scotland as it does in London, banking is decidedly not the future. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yet the need for the UK's largest financial centre after London to come up with a compelling global story has not gone away as other regional centres attract a critical mass of financial players. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, Edinburgh retained a respectable 29th position and Glasgow jumped five places to 32. Yet competition from nimbler hubs like Seoul (10th ), Luxembourg (16 th ) and Amsterdam (18th ) is intensifying. Now, Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), thinks it has an answer. The lobby group last month published a strategy for asset management, one of three 'global opportunities' for Scotland (the others being fintech, and green and sustainable finance). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Asset management is obviously an Edinburgh strength. The city has long been the largest such centre outside London, led by Baillie Gifford, Aberdeen and Dutch-owned Aegon Asset Management. Yet its position has been slipping due to the rise of 'passive' investing, which relies on index tracking strategies rather than the expertise of 'active' stock-picking investors, an Edinburgh strength. Acquisitions have also played a part: Franklin Templeton bought Edinburgh Partners in 2018, Legg Mason acquired Martin Currie in 2014 and Walter Scott became part of Mellon Financial (now BNY) in 2006. The harsh reality is that AUM in Scotland has been in steady decline since at least 2015, slipping to £493bn in 2023 from £548bn nine years ago, according to the latest available data from Investment Association (IA). Scotland's share of total UK AUM halved in the same period to 5 per cent, having reached a post-financial crisis peak of 13 per cent in 2010. The IA believes this is not all down to shrinking AUM in Scotland and that portfolio management has become more concentrated in London, leaving 'business operations' – that is, the middle-office plumbing behind the people who make investment decisions - to Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This explains why Edinburgh and Glasgow have become big centres for what's also referred to as 'asset servicing', with Wall Street driving the trend. BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, last month moved its roughly 1,000 employees into a new office in Edinburgh that will in time be the firm's fourth largest globally. Its presence in the city dates back a quarter of a century and functions as a hub for an investment platform used by BlackRock's portfolio managers and those of its clients across Europe. Similarly, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley have technology hubs in Glasgow employing a combined 5,000 people. Many are data analytics graduates from Scottish universities in jobs helping the banks to run front office functions around the world. JP Morgan's office hosts an 'asset management technology' team that's one of 10 the bank maintains globally. The SFE argues that Scotland can attract more asset servicing as firms look to escape cost pressures New York and London by relocating to cheaper regional centres, especially those with strong technology capabilities coming out of their universities, like Boston. Sandy Begbie is the chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE). Picture by Graham Flack | Contributed/Graham Flack The SFE's doggedly optimistic chief executive, Sandy Begbie, thinks there is also a chance of attracting more front office roles to Scotland, including from firms already in London. A 'wage benefit' of around 30 per cent compared to London, coupled with Scotland's much-touted lifestyle advantage, means there's 'a decent arbitrage to be had' in shifting personnel to Scotland, he says. Of course, there is still the awkward income tax differential that adds an offsetting 'Scotland weighting' to senior roles. Nonetheless, Edinburgh does have a good case to make in the intersection between technology and finance. A lot is happening between the University of Edinburgh and the private sector, producing examples of the 'digital ecosystems' that SFE thinks are important to growing the asset management pie. This mostly revolves around using AI, distributed ledger technology and tokenisation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last year, Aberdeen and the university launched a Centre for Investing Innovations that's working on an AI-powered 'research companion' that would use large language models to synthesise the huge amount of data needed to make investment decisions. A firm called Level E, founded by former Mexican banker Sonia Schulenberg, has developed 'AI-driven autonomous investing'. Rushad Abadan, general counsel at Aberdeen, argues that productivity levels will continue to increase with better technology and that this will 'play into' where AUM gets managed. 'If you think about it like that then I think Scotland has a lot to offer in terms of where the research is being done,' he says. The SFE calls for 'a more clearly articulated government strategy' for growth and investment in the asset management sector and its importance to Scotland – as Singapore, Ireland and Luxembourg do. This needs to be joined up with 'other UK industrial and growth strategies'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Forbes, deputy first minister, has developed a pitch-perfect narrative on inward investment that recognises the importance of making a globally competitive offer in core areas like offshore wind. At Panmure House in Edinburgh this week, she talked of her 'mission to make Scotland the most attractive destination for investment in the UK.'
