OUR traders of the week have done their bit for the community despite opening a business in a challenging period.

Heavenly Fish and Chicken opened on Market Place, Whitehaven, on January 6, mere months before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

Rosamond Blaney opened the takeaway with partner Tony Smith.

She said: “It’s been really difficult – we closed for two weeks at the beginning of the lockdown because a lot of our staff had gone into isolation.”

Due to popular demand, Rosamond and Tony decided to reopen, running the business on their own for deliveries only.

“Because of the demand we couldn’t keep up,” said Rosamond.

Staff have returned to work with customers welcomed back through the doors last week, two at a time to keep social distancing in place.

“The staff came back on June 1 after risk assessments.”

Rosamond is grateful for the community’s support, adding: “That was one of the reasons we decided to support one of the local football teams.”

Heavenly Fish and Chicken is a sponsor of Whitehaven Amateur Football Club.

Rosamond said: “The community has done so much for us.

“We decided that we have to give back to the community. We’ve done a couple of presentations of food to the local football team.”

During the pandemic, the takeaway has also donated meals to key workers and care homes to say thank you for their vital efforts on the coronavirus front line.

Rosamond said: “In the meantime we’ve bought a mobile fish and chip van. The plan is to reach other areas that aren’t able to come to us.”

The takeaway is the epitome of an independent local business, using local produce.

“We try and get our food locally sourced,” she said. “You’ve got to use the local providers to keep them going as well, we like to give back.”

The takeaway is open from 12pm until 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

To get in touch call the shop on 01946 65553.

We want to hear about businesses who are going above and beyond for their customers and community.

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