Southwold harbour blaze: fund-raiser for Mrs T’s Fish and Chips exceeds target

A fundraiser set up in the wake of a devastating fire at Southwold harbour which destroyed a much-loved fish and chip shop has exceeded its target.

Mrs T’s Fish and Chips and neighbouring Sole Bay Fish Co at Blackshore Quay were engulfed during a huge blaze on May 1.

Police and fire crews were called shortly before 1am. The main road was closed off, but reopened at 5.45pm the same day.

Eight engines plus support vehicles, with about 55 firefighters and a drone, were deployed and the incident was contained quickly.

A number of gas cylinders at the scene exploded.

A pledge to raise cash for the business was set up the following day, and raised over £3,000 in under 24 hours.

It set itself a target of £5,000 – which it surpassed yesterday, having raised just under £5,500 in total.

Jasmine Webb, 26, who set up the fundraiser, said: “I am overwhelmed by the support the fundraiser has had for Mrs T’s and the staff.

“I know the family and team well and have also been a customer at the shop for years.

“I set it up because I saw how much support and love the customers where giving Mrs T’s on a Facebook post and many of the customers suggested someone set up a fundraiser because they didn't know how to do it.

“If I was in the same situation I'd like to think people would come together and help, its always been such a lovely community in Southwold.”

The owners of the shop thanked well-wishers for their support and the fire service for their aid, but noted they were heartbroken by the damage.

In addition to the two chip shops, eight fishermens’ huts were also engulfed.

Sole Bay Fish Co, located next door, partially reopened on May 6.