By Dionne Meehan

RAMELTON will come alive this Saturday with a powerful show of community spirit as locals rally to save their beloved food truck, Johnny’s Ranch.

Owned by local man Johnny Patterson, the award-winning take-away has been operating in Gamble’s Square, in the heart of the heritage town, for the past seven years. However, when news emerged last week that the local man’s business could face closure after he was issued with an urgent enforcement notice from Donegal County Council, under the Planning and Development Act, it sparked widespread outrage.

In just one week, nearly 2,000 people have signed Mr Patterson’s online petition, calling on Donegal County Council to rethink their decision.

And this Saturday, the fight to save his business from closure is ramping up again with a ‘feet on the ground’ protest on Gamble’s Square at 2pm.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for his campaign, Mr Patterson said he is completely speechless.

“I just don’t know what to say,” Mr Patterson said.

“Thanks everyone for the support so far, it has been incredible.”

Amongst those backing the local businessman are notable figures including local TD Charles Ward, award-winning chef, broadcaster, and columnist Gary O’Hanlon, and TV personality and hotelier Noel Cunningham.

Travelling from Ballybofey to visit the chipper last week, Charles Ward TD said he won’t stand by and let it close.

“Nobody is going to sit back and allow this to happen,” he said.

“It is very important that all the people in Donegal get behind all the small businesses, and particularly businesses in Ramelton that need to get as many visitors as they can.

“It is very important that Johnny is allowed to continue with his award winning business.

“The best fish and chips you can get.”

Noel Cunningham noted that the food truck has become a popular tourist attraction, describing it as a ‘great draw’ for both tourists and locals.

“We must do our utmost to ensure it continues to be part of Donegal life, just another aspect of our uniqueness,” he said.