A popular Street fish and chip shop has announced that it will be closing next month due to rising costs.

Situated on the West End in Street, in a message to customers the owners have said that due to the increase in prices, the business can no longer afford to run

The West End Fish Bar first opened in 1949, supplying the people of Street with fish and chips in post-war Britain where most foods were still rationed. In 1962 the West End Fish Bar was taken over by the Sturgess family, and is now in the hands of the third generation of the family - Keith, Hazel, John and Cher.

The Sturgess's family history in chip shops dates back to the 1930s when Keith's father, John, and his uncle, Harry, ran one in Wincanton, Somerset. At the age of 16, Keith finished school on a Friday afternoon and started working full-time in the shop in Street the following Monday.

"Due to rising product and utility costs, we have taken the difficult position to permanently close our shop on Saturday 10th December," a notice in the shop door reads.

"Thank you to all our staff and customers, past and present, who have helped to keep us going for the last 60 years. Your kindness and friendship have been appreciated."

The announcement is being called 'the end of an era' by people living in Street, with the chippie having fed generations of Street families.

In a Facebook post, Cher Sturgess said: "We are sad to go, but so happy to have served you all and to give back to the community with sponsorship and vouchers over the years. We hope to see you one last time before we permanently close."

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