A FISH and chip shop businessman is threatening to take his fight all the way to the High Court after his plans to convert a Crewe shop were rejected by councillors despite a petition signed by 500 people.
Demetris Paparistodemou wants to turn empty premises in Coleridge Way into a chippy.
He has run similar takeaways in the past and has already drawn-up detailed plans, tailoring opening hours to avoid pub closing times, pledging to keep the area litter free, and setting aside £40,000 for a complete refit.
Despite more than 500 people signing his petition backing the proposal, his plans were rejected by Crewe and Nantwich borough councillors.
A council spokesman said: 'The proposed takeaway is situated very close to a residential area.
'We feel such a venture would lead to increased noise and disturbance, and smells which would upset nearby householders.'
Father-of-three Mr Paparistodemou, 33, a Greek Cypriot, said: 'I feel let down and unfairly treated by the council.
'I did everything I could to make sure I put in a good application. I didn't see any problems with it.
'The shop has been empty for more than two years and people have told me they should have had some kind of takeaway here years ago.
'They are respectable people who need a respectable fish and chip shop. If I went out to collect names again I could easily top 1,000.'
But his plans have split the community with almost 100 residents signing a petition opposing the scheme.
They voiced concerns raised about gangs of youths congregating outside, smell, litter and parking problems.
But Mr Paparistodemou added: 'I've spoken to my solicitor and I am putting in an appeal. If that fails, I shall take the matter to the High Court.
'If the High Court rejects it, only then will I accept that I'm wrong.'
A similar application for the shop was refused in 1996.
