Fishmonger told to stop using historic smokehouse (From Haringey Independent)

Fishmonger told to stop using historic smokehouse after complaint about smell

1:31pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

A fishmonger has been ordered to stop using a historic smokehouse that has been smoking Crouch End's kippers for more than 120 years - after a complaint about the smell.

Environmental officers from Haringey Borough Council have told fishmongers Walter Purkis & Sons, in The Broadway, Crouch End to stop using its smokehouse following the complaint from neighbours.

The Purkis family took over the premises and the smokery in the 1980s, but it has been on the site and in use for more than 120 years.

John Purkis, who has run the shop since 1992 said: “It’s going to be a big blow for us because smoked fish is such a huge part of our business.

“It would be a shame if we can't use it anymore because it’s part of the history of the area.

“We were told just before Christmas that we had to shut it off for bit. But then we got the letter from the council, saying we had to shut it off permanently.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor David Winskill, who has been trying to help the shop, said: “This is an important asset to the area.

"I’m going to be working Mr Purkis and officers to try and find a swift resolution to this so the people of Crouch End don’t lose their kippers.”

A spokeswoman for Haringey Borough Council said action was taken following a complaint from in November last year regarding smell and smoke nuisance.

She added: “An Environmental Health officer visited the complainant and identified that the smell and smoke was coming from the Purkiss smokehouse which was in breach of the Environmental Protect Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act 1993.

“Advice on appropriate smoking appliances and approved fuels was provided to the owner and we are working closely with them to resolve the issue. Until then, the owner has been asked not to use the smokehouse.”