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Rochester: Search for woman who crashed into Papa's Fish and Chip shop as it reopens

The owners of a fish and chip shop in Rochester want to find the woman who reversed through their window.

Julia and Kiki Matheou were relieved to find no-one, including the driver had been seriously injured in the crash which happened in February.

Just four months later, Papa’s Takeaway, on Beatty Road, has reopened with a fresh new look.

Kikis and Julia Mathelu and staff at the re-opening of Papa's fish and chip shop in Beatty Road, Rochester on Thursday. Picture: Chris Davey (2310606)
Kikis and Julia Mathelu and staff at the re-opening of Papa's fish and chip shop in Beatty Road, Rochester on Thursday. Picture: Chris Davey (2310606)

Mrs Matheou, said: “We don’t want to dwell on what happened, we’re just happy that no one was hurt – it could have been much more serious.

“It’s been a struggle but we’ve got there and had the chance to freshen the place up and keep it up to date.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support and patience; all the girls here have helped us get to this point and pulled together.

“We’re like one big family and it’s been a real team effort.”

Emergency services were called to the takeaway, just off City Way, at 10.24am on Saturday, February 3.

Car crashed in to fish and chip shop on Beatty Road in February
Car crashed in to fish and chip shop on Beatty Road in February

It is understood, an 86-year-old woman, who was driving a Nissan Micra, got stuck between metal posts in front of the shop and while trying to reverse to free herself she went into the shop front.

Her son picked her up from the scene and she was left unhurt.

The owners would now like to find her and offer her and her family free fish and chips.

Mrs Matheou added: “It must have been such a shock for her and it was an accident, these things happen – not all the time – but they do.

“We just want to make sure she’s ok and we’d be happy to hear from her and offer her some free fish and chips.”

Back in business, Kikis Mathelu at Papa's fish and chip shop in Beatty Road, Rochester on Thursday. Picture: Chris Davey (2310641)
Back in business, Kikis Mathelu at Papa's fish and chip shop in Beatty Road, Rochester on Thursday. Picture: Chris Davey (2310641)

Julia has taken the opportunity to redecorate with the shop with shiny brown tiles across the back, patterned floors and hanging lights above the counter.

They’ve also added vegetarian options to the menu including halloumi and potato fritters.

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