Woodside to Get Refurbished Pub and New Fish & Chip Shop Thanks to Local Input and Government Funding
Telford MP Shaun Davies has welcomed the first project to come from the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which is investing in local communities across South Telford, and is calling on residents to share their ideas to name the new venture.
Following a consultation with residents last summer led by Shaun, Telford’s MP asked how they would spend £1 million in their area. Among the most popular suggestions was a new local chip shop. Working closely with Telford & Wrekin Council, Shaun has helped identify a location for this project.
Telford was proudly chosen as the launch site for the Government’s national Pride in Place Programme last year, unlocking a £20 million investment for residents in Woodside, Sutton Hill, and Brookside. This funding includes £20 million secured through lobbying efforts of Shaun Davies MP in addition to Telford & Wrekin Council committing a further £10 million following direct discussions between Shaun Davies and Council Leader Cllr Lee Carter.
The new fish and chip shop will be based at The Elizabethan, 65 Park Lane, a local pub that is being refurbished as part of the initiative. Telford & Wrekin Council will now work alongside Madeley Town Council to support the refurbishment work.
The Government’s Pride in Place programme is a ten-year, £20 million plan to revive neighbourhoods in the south of Telford by improving high streets, parks, and green spaces. Crucially, local people will lead in how this funding is spent in their communities.
Shaun Davies MP said: “It is fantastic to see the first Pride in Place project taking shape. When we launched this funding, I said it was about listening to residents – and this fish and chip shop is exactly the kind of local project people wanted. This is just the beginning of exciting improvements to our communities.”
Woodside Councillors Kelly Middleton and Helena Morgan said: “We’re delighted to see the first Pride in Place project get underway, bringing a new fish and chip shop to the heart of Woodside something residents have been asking for. It’s a great location and a real opportunity for a new local business. We were proud to visit Number 10 recently with Shaun Davies MP to ensure Woodside’s voice was heard. Shaun is standing up for Telford and making sure local people are properly represented and when local people are part of national conversations, decisions are shaped by real experience and lead to solutions that work for communities, not generic fixes.”
Sarwan Samrai, Director at the Lizzie added: “I’m really pleased to be part of the first Pride in Place project in south Telford. I can’t wait to bring a proper, high-quality fish and chip shop to the area and give local residents a great new place to eat. Everyone loves fish and chips, so I’m sure it’ll be popular, and I’m really looking forward to getting started and serving up some great food.”
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “We are always supportive of local businesses and new business ventures, and we’re pleased to work with Madeley Town Council to fund this project as we all look forward to plenty more to come through the exciting Pride in Place programme.
“Through this venture we’ll see a popular pub refurbished and an exciting new business open at the venue which will boost trade for both and fill the gap for a fish and ship chop in Woodside.
Telford & Wrekin Council has now launched the search for an Independent Chair of a new Neighbourhood Board, providing a rare opportunity to shape South Telford’s future
Anyone with an idea to name the new Woodside Fish and Chip shop should contact Shaun directly by emailing: shaun.davies.mp@parliament.uk
