Fish and chips van "completely destroyed" in crash

Richard Pidgeon, owner of the much loved L&F Catering Fish & Chip Van, which visits villages around Bridport and Dorchester, was involved in a crash on the A3066 near Crooked Oak Hill, Melplash while on his way to a private booking.

Mr Pidgeon, of Netherbury, said he was forced to swerve up a bank to avoid a head-on collision.

Interior of the L&F Catering Fish & Chip Van destroyed in crash (Image: Richard Pidgeon)

As previously reported, the crash on the evening of Saturday, June 15, also involved two cars. A person was taken to hospital by air ambulance for injuries not believed to be life threatening. 

Mr Pidgeon's co-worker Marie, who has worked for the business for 10 years, was in the van with him when the crash happened. 

Both had chest and shoulder pain following the incident but Mr Pidgeon was told everything was ok after taking himself to A&E. 

After feeling sore for the first few days, Marie also now feels 'completely fine', he said.

But the crash has left Mr Pidgeon in 'complete shock' as the van was so badly damaged that he will have to pay for a replacement - which he estimates will cost tens of thousands of pounds. 

Fire crews were called to the crash on the A3066 near Crooked Oak Hill, Melplash (Image: Richard Pidgeon)

He has been lent another van in the meantime but won't be able to offer a full catering service until he gets a replacement vehicle.

He said: "It has completely destroyed the back of my van, it’s completely ruined. I don’t know what my insurance will say but it’s not the greatest situation to be in.

“It’s a specialist van and we’ve got to get one made. It’s going to cost me tens of thousands of pounds. It could run on for a long time and put me out of pocket. The effects of it could be ongoing for a long time." 

L&F Catering Fish & Chip Van has been operating as a local catering service since 2011, with Richard buying the business in 2022.

He describes it as a 'vital lifeline' for the community, especially in bringing fish and chip meals to elderly residents who are less mobile.  

Further damage caused to the van (Image: Richard Pidgeon)

Loyal customers have taken to the business' Facebook page to leave comments of support and Mr Pidgeon has expressed his immense gratitude for their kindness, and extended his thanks to the fire crews who helped him and Marie. 

Richard Pidgeon, owner of L&F Catering Fish & Chip Van (Image: Richard Pidgeon)

“A massive thank you to the crews that helped us. They calmed us and kept us up to date with the situation and why they were doing certain things.

"Luckily there were no life-threatening injuries but they must go through some horrendous stuff and we’re so thankful for their help.

“We received a lot of supportive comments on Facebook and it makes you think there are actually lots of nice people out there that do care deep down.”