THE OPENING of a brand-new fish and chip shop has been delayed after the owners lost relatives in the deadly earthquake in Turkey.

Harley's Fish and Chips was set for its grand opening event on Monday, February 6.

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Based at 11a in Main Road, Hockley, the business was granted permission to convert the vacant former retail building into a takeaway in June, with the owners promising they were “dedicated to providing the best fish and chips in the Hockley area”.

The community was hotly anticipating the opening, but sadly that has now been delayed after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey claimed the lives of relatives of the owners.

Echo: Outpouring of support - Residents have expressed their condolences after the opening of Harley's was delayedOutpouring of support - Residents have expressed their condolences after the opening of Harley's was delayed (Image: Eves)

In a statement on Facebook, a spokesman for Harley’s said: “Due to the unfortunate earthquake in Turkey last night and losing some relatives, we will be unable to open today. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

The post was inundated with an outpouring of support as well wishers and concerned residents expressed their condolences.

The spokesman later added: “Thank you for your prayers and support during our time of loss. It has meant so much to us.”

The opening will be rescheduled for a later date.

Hockley councillor Adrian Eves said: “My heart goes out to the owners and the family, it’s such a tragic situation.

“I go to Tukey every year, and they are such lovely people and I feel their grief.”

The Rochford Residents’ Group councillor added: “It’s terribly sad, and especially at this time when this family were looking forward to the success of opening their new business.”

As the death toll in Turkey and Syria has soars above 6,000 – and  is still expected to rise – Hockley resident Simon Harris has launched a fundraising petition to help relief residents.

Mr Harris, 39, said: “I have a lot of experience organising fundraisers and when I saw the awful destruction in the images coming out of Turkey and Syria, I knew I wanted to help as best I could.”

The fundraiser, for the Save the Children Fund, has raised almost £20,000 in 24 hours – with a target of £100,000.

He added: “The whole community wishes the owners of Harley’s the very best and we hope to see them open when they feel they are capable.”

To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/help-children-families-after-turkish-earthquake