WELLINGTON Town Council agreed to support a request for a mobile fish and chip takeaway at the Cades Farm residential estate on the edge of Wellington at its December meeting.

Councillors heard that the takeaway would serve fresh, home-made, locally sourced food with the aim of parking initially somewhere near the start of the road where it is widest and opens out onto the pavement. It would operate on a Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm, provide its own bins and take away all rubbish.

The operator asked for the support of the town council before applying for a street trader’s licence from Taunton Deane Borough Council. It was hoped to start trading from the beginning of February 2016.

Cllr Bob Bowrah said he would support the application but Cllr Gary James was concerned about the effect on existing shops. “It would take money out of the town,” he said.  “We should support our own shops, who often help local clubs and organisations.”

Cllr John Thorne said he was not sure if he would want a fish and chip van outside his house. “We would need to be careful over its location,” he said. “I would support it subject to a location being found which has as little impact on residents as possible.”

The proposal to support the application was carried with two votes against.