Chippy owners sign off after '35 years of laughs'

Kate and Jeff Armstrong have owned The Chip Pan since 1990

After more than three decades serving up delicious fish and chips to their town, two great-grandparents have clocked off for a final time.

Kate and Jeff Armstrong, 78 and 80, have owned The Chip Pan since 1990 and became firm favourites in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan.

But now, after 35 years, the couple have decided to retire and their chippy will be operating under new ownership from 22 October.

"We will be sad to go after 35 years and will greatly miss all of our lovely customers and friends," Mrs Armstrong said.

"We've had lots of laughs and happy memories with all the girls who have worked for us along the way.

"We would do it all again in a heartbeat."

The pair have been married for 62 years after a chance meeting on a bus as teenagers.

The childhood sweethearts have owned the shop together for more than half of their married life - and said there is no-one else they would rather have had by their side.

Mr Armstrong said: "I'm quite sad - I wish it was starting all over again.

"The best part has been meeting all the people - especially when we first moved in all those years ago.

"The children who used to sit on the shop's countertop and ask for a lolly are 40 now - so It's quite emotional to see them bringing in their children and, sometimes, grandchildren.

"It's been quite a journey, but I've loved every minute of it and, if I could, I'd do it all again."

The couple are planning to visit Australia as part of their retirement plans

Mrs Armstrong said: "I'm quite upset. I think it'll be very hard for me.

"I've taken a bit of a backseat for a while now but I've still enjoyed coming and seeing the girls we have working here - we've all been together a long time."

Before running the shop, she worked behind the tills at Kwik Save while her husband delivered fish to local businesses.

Mr Armstrong was offered the chance to buy the shop by the previous owner, who was a customer of his.

He said: "When I heard about it, I thought this could be something I'd be interested in - so I went home to tell Kate.

"We managed to scrape a bit of money together and we got it and we've had 35 wonderful years."

The Chip Pan has always been a family affair with the couple's daughter Jane Malone also having worked in the shop for 34 years.

'Funny memories'

Since their decision, the family have been inundated with kind messages, cards and gifts.

Parish councillor Jim Stevenson, 72, described the couple and their team as a "local institution".

He said: "Everyone is prepared to queue up to get their freshly cooked fish and chips and have great banter with the girls.

"We all love our traditional chippy tea, and Jeff and Kate have certainly provided that over their 35 years running the business.

"My wife Margaret and I have lived here for 48 years - and we remember Jeff being the local fishmonger with a van before taking over The Chip Pan.

"One of the funniest memories of The Chip Pan was when local pensioners near the chippy used to bring their own plates from home to get their fish and chips on."

Wigan resident Carol Littler, 56, praised the owners for preserving the spirit of the fish and chip shop - which she said was once run by her own great-aunt.

She said: "The shop holds a dear place in my family history and has been looked after so well by the present owners.

"I hope they have a happy retirement. It's so lovely to see it will carry on in the future with new owners."

As for Mr and Mrs Armstrong, they have no plans to slow down yet.

The couple say they are hoping to visit their son in Australia - and, put simply, "enjoy life".