Tesco Express refurb leaves Rob's Fish and Chip Bar facing closure

Rob’s Fish and Chip Bar in Middlewich has seen sales plummet in recent weeks.

That is because the neighbouring Tesco Express in Warmingham Lane is undergoing a complete refit, leaving customers with no where to park.

“They’ve basically shut my business down,” said Rob Walker, owner of the chip shop which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month.

“I’ve lost half my trade because the car park is completely blocked off.

“It’s a little bit David and Goliath. They just didn’t think how this would impact other businesses.

“I dealt with the pandemic. I dealt with austerity. I managed to get through all that, but this has put me in the balance on whether I want to continue on trading.”

Rob Walker, owner of the chip shop (Image: Supplied)

It is understood the refurbishment began in early August, with the store due to reopen on Thursday (September 12).

The work includes new fixtures and fridges in store, as well as repairs to the car park.

As a result of Tesco’s refurbishment, Rob's sales have dropped by around 60 per cent, costing the chippy around £1,500 a week.

Just as frustrating as the impact on his business has been the lack of communication from the supermarket giant.

Rob said: “There’s been no communication.

“You just want to have some sort of contact and be notified of the stuff that would impact my business.

“It’s just not right what they are doing. I always treat people the way I want to be treated and I wouldn’t treat anyone like this.

“There must be hundreds of other small business that are affected by these refits.”

Tesco Express is set to reopen on September 12 (Image: Supplied)

However, Tesco say the store manager provided his contact details to Rob so that he could get in touch if he had any questions about the work.

A spokesperson said: “Our Middlewich Warmingham Express is currently closed while we carry out a full store refurbishment.

“We look forward to serving the local community again next week from our improved store and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.”