A TRADITIONAL fish and chip shop has been opened in Stourport, creating nine new jobs.

Wilson’s, of Bridge Street, which has been set up by business partners Graham Price and Lee Wilson, was officially launched by Mayor of Stourport Cliff Brewer at a ceremony on Tuesday, August 12.

The entrepreneurial pair refurbished empty premises to set up the shop and have breathed new life into the building that housed the popular Cogs Cafe in the 1960s.

Graham Price, 56, of Kidderminster, who previously ran Aitch’s Chippy in Lorne Street, said: “An empty shop does not look good in any area and, hopefully, our shop will bring a vibrant feel to the town.

“We have plunged an awful lot of money into the renovation and hope we can make it successful.

“With the menu we stick to what we know, which is traditional fish and chip,s cooked fresh for our customers.”

The business has created nine new jobs including full-time, part-time and temporary roles and all of these vacancies have been filled by local people.

Mr Brewer said he was “delighted and excited to see a new business in the town” and “wished it every success”, while Peter Michael, Wyre Forest town centres manager, who attended the launch, said the creation of jobs was “terrific news”.

Wilson’s also recently raised £400, which was collected in a batter bucket during a fundraising night, for Josh’s Prayers, the project which supports bereaved families in Wyre Forest.

The group was set up by Stephanie and Rob Jones as a legacy for their son Joshua Jones, who died aged 18 in a tragic accident in May.

Mrs Jones, who was present at the shop launch to receive the donation alongside her daughter, April Jones, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support Wilson’s have given us.

“They have been absolutely brilliant and I can’t thank them enough for what they have done.”

Mr Price added: “Josh was a really well respected lad in the town and we just thought we could help raise some funds for the family at this difficult time because it is an all-round good cause.”