A CHIPPY in Barry Island has been awarded the title of 2019 Responsible Business Champion for the Vale of Glamorgan by Vale MP Alun Cairns.

O’Shea’s Fish & Chip Café will now go forward to the national competition run by the all-party parliamentary corporate responsibility group (APCRG), with owner Craig O’Shea being invited to a Parliamentary reception to celebrate constituency champions from across the UK.

Mr Cairns chose O’Shea’s in recognition of their efforts to be environmentally friendly and their role in supporting the local community.

The Fish & Chip Café does not use any polystyrene products and that their packaging is fully recyclable and biodegradable.

Mr Cairns is keen to highlight O’Shea’s as an example of responsibility in the business community.

O’Shea’s have also played an active part in supporting the community, most recently displayed on Christmas Day 2018 when they opened their doors to offer free food to those without families or a roof over their head.

The Café cooked a meal for the homeless, the needy and the elderly, as well as providing hot drinks, blankets and mince pies.

They delivered door-to-door to those who couldn’t make it in person.

Mr Cairns said: “I recognise that, while we want people to enjoy Barry Island and everything we have to offer, there must be consideration of the natural environment and the impact that we have on it.

"The Vale is fortunate to have this beautiful area on our doorstep and it’s vital that every effort is made to ensure that people do not contribute to harm or damage to our wildlife.”

He added: "I’m really encouraged by the efforts of O’Shea’s to ensure that their packaging is fully recyclable and biodegradable.

"They do not use any polystyrene products because of the harm they cause to our seas and in doing so set a fantastic example to the business community on Barry Island and across the Vale of Glamorgan.”

Shop owner Craig O’Shea said: “We’re very honoured to be presented with the Vale of Glamorgan Responsible Business Champion award for 2019.

"Ensuring that our packaging is fully recyclable and biodegradable is really important to us, as we recognise our responsibility in limiting damage to our natural environment.

"Receiving this award is a real boost for the team and we hope that this will spread awareness about the importance of protecting environment on Barry Island.”