A FISH and chip shop owner has pledged to turn off an illuminated sign at closing time, after complaints from residents.

Bells moved its Gilesgate fish and chip shop about 100 yards further down Sunderland Road towards the city centre late last year, moving into a vacant bungalow.

However, the firm did not have planning permission for an illuminated sign it erected outside.

Residents complained the sign was being kept lit up throughout the night.

Today (Tuesday, February 11), Durham County Council’s central and east area planning committee unanimously granted retrospective planning consent for the advertisement.

Owner Graham Kennedy said the sign had been fitted with a timer so it would automatically switch off at closing time, 9pm.

This had developed a fault but was now fixed, he said.

The application was brought to committee by local county councillor Pat Conway, who had been approached by several local residents.

However, Coun Bill Moir, who also represents the Belmont division, said he had received no complaints and Bells was his favourite chip shop.

The third Belmont councillor, Katie Corrigan, said she was heartened the sign would be switched off outside trading hours.