‘Shut down’ mango stall makes sweet return

After a brief brush with oblivion a popular Maroochydore mango stall is back up and running.

RETURNED: Russel Craig is happy to be back in business selling fresh mangoes.

AFTER a brief brush with oblivion a popular Maroochydore mango stall is back up and running.

Mangoes on Maud, on Maroochydore's Maud St, was shut down last week after a complaint was made about the business.

But the generosity of a neighbouring business and a short-term approval has allowed owners Russel Craig and his wife Pasilika to reopen and see out this mango season.

They've been donated a space to operate out of at Sitting Around, a furniture business which was next door to the mango stall.

"The support from everyone has been absolutely amazing," Mr Craig said.

SAD END TO MANGO SEASON: Russel Craig and his wife Pasilika Gaitau-Craig are devastated that Council has ordered them to cease trading in Maud Street, Maroochydore.

The former New Zealand policeman said they'd been surprised with how helpful Councillor John Connolly and council staff had been in helping them secure the approval they needed to reopen quickly.

"We're so grateful to everyone," Mr Craig said.

He said the complaint lodged against them had even turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it'd drawn the community closer to them.

The mango stall had been operating for the past six years on Maud St and Mr Craig had run it since 2015.

Mr Craig said he'd been confused by how easy it was for just one person to file a complaint "without any hurdles to go through first" and jeopardise their livelihoods, customers and reputations.

"We've lost a hell of a lot of business," he said.

Russell Craig and Pasilika Gaiutau-Craig warming up for the summer mango season.

A council spokesman said the stall owners had permission to operate at Sitting Around until the end of January 2019, after working closely with them to find another location.

"The sale of mangoes will be allowed during the hours when the primary business at the location is open to the public," the spokesman said.

"Council has asked the stall owner to contact council prior to next mango season to discuss suitable arrangements."

Mr Craig said long-term they'd love to resume operating at the property next door, but for now they were just focused on enjoying the rest of this mango season.

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