New fried chicken shop to replace former Chi’s Chinese in Twydall Green, Gillingham
13:30, 21 February 2024
updated: 07:30, 22 February 2024
A Chinese takeaway which closed after more than 25 years of trading looks set to be replaced by a fried chicken shop.
Chi's Chinese in Twydall Green, Gillingham, had been in business since the 1990s before it shut its doors at the end of January.
The closure was announced via a notice in the shop's window.
It read: "It is with great sadness we can no longer keep the shop open.
"We would like to thank you all for your custom [and] support over the years."
However, less than a month later the premises looks set to be filled.
A sign for a new takeaway named Twydall Fried Chicken and Peri Peri has since been put up.
Lyn Harden says it was placed there this week, although the Twydall resident admits she isn't thrilled by the prospect of another takeaway.
She said: "I think it went up yesterday (February 20), as I do a paper round in the shop next door and it wasn't there then.
"The shop has been ripped out and workmen are in there.
"I don't believe we need another takeaway – we need a butcher’s, baker’s or a vegetable shop [as] Twydall is like a food court."
Others seemed equally disappointed with another food shop.
Speaking online, one person commented: "Oh no. Got a chicken takeaway, a pizza place [and] an Indian. We need a decent Chinese please."
Another added: "How many takeaway shops do we need?"
It is not yet known when the new shop will begin trading.
Meanwhile, a different outlet at Twydall Green has reopened.
The Spar, which also features a Subway counter, shut on February 11.
It reopened at midday on Saturday (February 17).
A spokesman for Spar said the improvements were for new, economical fridges for its alcohol and chilled foods.
it also had a new lick of paint.