Barnacle Bill’s closes due to steep rise in energy costs

TRADITIONAL fish and chip shop, Barnacle Bill’s, has closed after nine years serving the town, due to rising energy costs and the uncertainty this has created for the future.

Providing a range of gluten free and vegan options as well as the traditional fish and chip menu, Barnacle Bill’s was loved by many and had to shut its doors with ‘immediate effect’.

Announcing the closure on their Facebook page and thanking the staff and community for all their support, the chip shop’s owner said in the post, “It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that with immediate effect I will be closing the doors to Barnacle Bill’s.

“This has not been a decision taken lightly. Due to the spiralling costs and the foreseeable rising costs, it is no longer viable for me to continue trading.

“I am sure you will understand my reasoning for this decision but would like to thank you all for the support you have given me over the last nine years. Massive thank you goes out to such a loyal and hardworking team of staff who have supported me during the pandemic and continued to do so during this difficult time”.

At the time of Barnacle Bill’s closure, the government had only announced a price cap for rising energy bills for domestic use. Equivalent support has since been announced for businesses over the winter.