A fish and chip restaurant has been forced to close its doors amid the cost of living crisis.

When The Station Masters opened in Bingley, it saw the long empty building on Park Road brought back to life as a sit down fish and chip shop with wine and craft beers.

But faced with the reality of rising electricity costs, business owners Matt and Jo Hogg have announced its closure “with sadness and regret”.

The restaurant’s annual electricity bill is set to more than quadruple from £8,500 to £36,000 – something, they said, which “forced our hands”.

The owners said: “The wages, price of fish, chips, chicken, beer and soft drinks all been rising over the last six months - then our electricity goes from £8,500 annually to £36,000 - forced our hands.”

It comes after the National Federation of Fish Friers warned the futures of 5,000 fish and chip shops – half of all the UK chippies - are in jeopardy.

In a message to customers, Matt and Jo said: “It’s with sadness and regret we have to announce The Station Masters will be closed for the forseeable future.

“Thank you guys for your continued support. You have given us great strength over the past year and a half and we are extremely privileged to have served Bingley. We are devastated, absolutely devastated.

“It’s a shame to shut the doors but we will be taking great memories away from the place.”

There has been an outpouring of support from the chippy’s customers since the news was announced.

“You have transformed that building and opened a fantastic business,” one said.

“This is a sad day for Bingley.”

Another added: “You really have created something special here.”

One customer posted: “Such a shame the business has to close its doors because of the energy crisis. We will be left with just the national chains which can absorb these costs at the expense of those who are part of our local community. Government must do more to support employers and family businesses.”

“Sad sign of the times,” another said.

Responding to the comments, the restaurant owners said: “We have made not just regular and loyal customers, but new friends on our journey. From myself, Jason (Chef) and the rest of our great team. We say a massive thank you to everyone.

“Reading all your lovely comments and want to say thank you. Means the world to us.”

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