Takeaway boycotts council estates

The Double Dragon introduced the policy to Malvern Way, Chiltern Drive and Farley Bank about a year ago after there drivers were abused.

But Malvern Way resident David Gritt was left hungry and furious after they refused to deliver to his home and suggested he collect the food.

Mr Gritt, 27, said: "I have been discriminated against because I live on Malvern Way. I am absolutely disgusted. I work full time, pay my bills and own my own home. I have lived here all my life and my parents live nearby. It's disgraceful. If you offer a delivery service you should deliver."

The problem started on July 17 when Mr Gritt, an auxiliary nurse, returned from a 15 hour shift at the Conquest Hospital and his partner decided to order a Chinese meal.

Too tired to leave the house they chose the Double Dragon because they delivered, but once they gave their address the restaurant staff informed them they could not deliver to their area.

Mr Gritt said: "I spoke to the manager and he said he had to protect his drivers. I am insulted he thinks I would have acted irresponsibly or criminally."

Manager of the Double Dragon, on St Helens Crescent, Johnny Liu, said: "The incidents were quite a while back, but residents were ordering food and when it was delivered saying they didn't have any money and becoming abusive to the drivers. The incidents became quite serious and the company made a decision to stop delivering to the three streets.

"We have lots of customers from those areas who collect their orders. We know the minority are causing the trouble, but we can't take the chance, unless we know the customers, if they are regular customers, then we can perhaps make special arrangements. But this was this gentleman's first time visiting us and we had to abide by our policy. We are trying to run a business and we want the custom, but we must protect our drivers."