Singer pens a lament to end of Guiseley's Harry Ramsden’s (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Singer pens a lament to end of Guiseley's Harry Ramsden’s

9:30am Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Guiseley By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

A Yorkshire minstrel has penned a special song to mark the passing of one of the county’s best-loved landmarks.

With Harry Ramsden’s restaurant in Guiseley up for sale after closing last month, folk singer Eddie Lawler has written a lament to the demise of the world-famous eatery.

And the 69-year-old, of Saltaire, believes the eponymous hero of his song would be “turning in his grave” if he could see what has happened to his old haunt, where he first began serving fish and chips more than 80 years ago.

Boparan Ventures, which owns the Harry Ramsden’s brand, said it was forced to close the White Cross restaurant, with the loss of more than 20 staff, because it was no longer financially viable.

But Mr Lawler described the decision as “very, very sad” and said he felt compelled to write his new song, ’Arry RIP, which he was due to record today and put on his website.

“It’s just the fact it’s an iconic build and it’s part of our tradition and history and Harry was a local hero,” he said.

“It’s been closed, which is rather strange, because for a company to close its flagship doesn’t strike me as being very good business.

“I know the people of Guiseley have deserted it over the last year because they didn’t rate it and if you go online and look at the reports about it, there are not many complimentary comments.

“There are plenty of chip shops in Guiseley and they’re good and people patronise them.

“It’s just very very sad. Poor old Harry will be turning in his grave.”

The future of the restaurant is still up in the air, although it has been stripped and some of the memorabilia taken to other Harry Ramsden’s chip shops around the country.

To hear ’Arry RIP, go to eddie-lawler.co.uk.