A damp specialist whose company made it into the news by helping a pensioner get back into her mould-infested house has an interesting side hustle - owning a jacket potato takeaway.

John Davis from Royal Wootton Bassett is the owner of Emerald Damp Specialists and was called out to fix 70-year-old Patricia’s damp-infested house.

The incident made the national news on television with the likes of the BBC and Sky News covering the story this week.

“We got a phone call from Patricia’s friend Janet and the rest is history as we have all seen it on the news,” said John.

Swindon Advertiser: John at Patricia's house after fixing the issues. John at Patricia's house after fixing the issues. (Image: John Davis)

The 44-year-old also sells luxury jacket potatoes in his spare time through his takeaway Spudway, which opened at the Orbit Centre on Ashworth Road, Bridgemead, last summer.

John has kept the shop a secret to perfect his product but now wants to spread the word about the takeaway.

Swindon Advertiser: John set up Spudway in the summer of 2023.John set up Spudway in the summer of 2023. (Image: Newsquest)

“We haven’t advertised much until now as it was so important to get the model right as I had to find the right potatoes and the right fillings,” he said.

“We even catered for 200 people at the civic offices this week and there were massive queues and we sold out within two hours.”

With a variety of options such as BBQ pulled pork and coronation chicken available, John believes Spudway offers something new.

“It is different because it is healthier with all of our produce being freshly made from scratch,” he said.

Swindon Advertiser: Spudway can be found at the Orbit Centre on Ashworth Road.Spudway can be found at the Orbit Centre on Ashworth Road. (Image: Newsquest)

“Once you go to all the major takeaways, you feel like you’re wasting your money as you’re still hungry afterwards.

John wishes to take the business to the next level this year and believes mobility is key to this.

“The next step is getting a van as we already have an events license,” he added.

“I want Swindon to know where we are as we are on an industrial estate so it is hard to find us.

“The model is there but it is about getting the word out there as we have not had one bad review.

“I want to get in the schools and colleges to make sure the kids are eating healthier.”