AN award-winning kebab shop that closed after a council said it did not have a trading consent certificate has been allowed to reopen.

Atalay's Kebab Van in Thame says it was told to close for at least 28 days by South Oxfordshire District Council officers on Friday night while it applies for the certificate.

The business, which won Kebab Van of the Year in 2017, was surprised at the news as it said it had done all the necessary legal requirements to trade in the town.

But after lots of support from residents, including an online petition set up which was signed more than 2,000 times, the Atalay team managed to resolve the problem with the council yesterday.

It said on Facebook: "Thanks to your amazing support we have rightfully been given permission to remain open.

"Thanks to everyone that has signed the petition, shared the post and commented in support on our posts. We truly couldn't have done this without your support.

"SODC and Thame town council opened today especially for us to resolve this issue. SODC have said their copy of records may not have been present due to the Crownmarsh fire."

The Crownmarsh fire happened in January 2015 when a triple arson attack saw three buildings engulfed in flames including South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils' headquarters.

Residents who originally hit out at the council are glad that the kebab van can continue to trade.

Susanne McBrien commented: "Fantastic news, great to have the support from Thame and everyone involved in getting this matter resolved. Looking forward to a fab kebab soon."

William Goldsworthy said: "Fantastic news. It’s good to see a community is prepared to stand together for what they believe is right

"You have always produced fantastic food and with excellent customer service which counts for a lot, here’s to the next 30 odd years of trading."