Hessle Road turns out to help open Hollywood Boulevard fish and chip shop

THE owner of a new fish and chip restaurant in Hessle Road has hailed the area's community spirit.

Daryl Roberts opened Hollywood Boulevard at the weekend, which doubles up as a breakfast café and fish and chip shop.

But Mr Roberts doesn't believe he could have opened the new outlet without the help of local people.

He said: "We have had help from people off the street, it's been amazing.

"The local community has really come together to ensure we open.

"We had ten to 15 people get involved. Some were friends and family but we had a number of strangers help out.

"People have been helping us with sweeping, cleaning and painting.

"Others have been putting chairs together. So many people have mucked in."

Mr Roberts has taken over Cook's fish and chip shop, which closed a few weeks ago.

He has also acted on the suggestions of local people.

Mr Roberts said: "Primarily, we are a fish and chip shop but we are also doing breakfasts.

"We want to do things differently and have been taking on board what people in the area want.

"We will also open in the evenings as there is nowhere for people to go.

"Someone suggested serv- ing haggis, so that is what we have done.

"We are trying to give people what they want.

"That might not be sustainable in the long run but we want to find out what works.

"We have a lot of ideas."

Hollywood Boulevard opened on Friday and has so far proved a success.

Mr Roberts said: "We have been really busy over the weekend.

"We have had more customers in the first two days than Cook's had in the last five weeks of trading."

Donna Finn, chairman of the Hessle Road Traders' Association, has welcomed the opening of the new restaurant.

She said: "People have always come down Hessle Road for their fish and chips and I'm glad that tradition is continuing.

"It's good to see the premises didn't remain empty for very long. We welcome the new venture and hope it proves a success.

Mrs Finn, who runs hair salon Fe'male Ego, isn't surprised people offered to help out.

She said: "I'm not surprised people have been helping out.

"You can't beat Hessle Road people.

"I remember when my salon was broken into.

"Customers were giving me an extra fiver to help repair the damage.

"I couldn't take the money but that's what people round here are like."