THE queues were bursting out the door as Cradley’s regeneration got off to a flying start with the opening of the new Chainmakers Fish and Chip shop this lunchtime (Thursday).

Dozens of people flooded to the new Colley Gate chippy as the ceremonial ribbon was cut by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, who announced the shop as officially open.

The shop has already built up a big online following before it was even opened, with more than 1,000 people liking the chippy on Facebook.

Owner Andrew Newton, who also runs the nearby Nisa store, said he hopes the opening of the new store will act as a catalyst to redevelop the rest of the much-maligned street.

“It’s been really stressful,” Andrew admitted. “But as you can see by all the people here it is something the area really needs.”

Andrew and his father started their plans to restore Colley Gate in 2007, but blamed a lack of backing from the council – despite spending “substantial amounts of money” – on why it has taken another 11 years to get his dreams turn to reality.

James Clinton, who has been working alongside Andrew to get the store off the ground, said: “I think I am right by saying that the whole community is grateful and thankful for what the Newton family has done for the area over the last 10 years.

“Most people had written off Colley Gate, but the Newton’s haven’t and had different ideas.

“Lots have happened over the years but the family persisted with their vision of picking up the little broken street piece by piece.

“I have had a lot of involvement with the family on its latest venture, the Chainmakers, and I can honestly say they mean business in the regeneration side of things.

“Now this project has come full circle I thought there would be a rest period but no, Ian – who is Andy’s Father and the head of it all – is currently not well but is planning to invest more into the area.

“And if things pan out as they should, Colley Gate will shine once more.”

Dudley Council’s deputy leader, Councillor David Vickers, said Andrew’s planned regeneration of Colley Gate is just what Cradley needs.

“I think what Andy and his family are doing is brilliant for this area,” he said. “He has pumped thousands of pounds into a part of Dudley borough that has been left derelict for too long.

“We need more people like Andy in this borough, and I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.”