Pensioner Gordon Bryant has challenged the force of a petition that helped defeat plans for a new fish and chip shop in Banbury.

The 86-year-old was licking his lips at the thought of being able to buy a fish supper and is disappointed that some neighbours fought plans to open a takeaway in Beaconsfield Road, Easington.

Retired technical copywriter Mr Bryant believes a 250-signature petition did not reflect the views of many in the neighbourhood.

He said: "It's all very well getting a petition up, but it won't tell you how many people would actually like a fish and chip shop."

"These people have decided they don't want it and it seems to be a case of 'hang the rest of us'."

Mr Bryant, of St Anne's Road, has a bad knee and cannot walk as far as the town centre for fish and chips.

The shop site is now used by commercial sandwich supplier Specialist Catering Services. Owner Peter Hogben applied for permission to convert part of the premises into a take-away. Many residents campaigned against the plans by decorating their homes with 'no' placards.

Cherwell District Council's planning committee rejected the application despite council officers recommending it should be granted. Easington councillor Kieron Mallon said smell and litter from a chip shop would be unacceptable. The town council also unanimously opposed the plans.