THE owners of a beloved Chinese takeaway have announced they are shutting their business after nearly 50 years. 

Kun Hei and Lin Chan - the husband and wife team behind Golden River in Bitterne Park Triangle - said the takeaway has now come to a "sad end".

The pair of 73 year olds plan to open the takeaway for the last time this Sunday after running the business for nearly 50 years.

The takeaway plans to shut down due to rising costs.

The shop owner's son Wing Chan, 43, said that it will be "impossible" for the business to run with rising energy, oil, and fuel costs.

READ MORE: Southampton handicraft Ambient Objects store set to close

He said: "It's coming to an end and it's sad to see. I can't take it over because it just costs too much to run now.

"The electric bills are too high for what it's worth and oil costs £45 this year when it only cost £25 last year.

"It's the cost of living. Everything has gone up even little things like pork and beef prices rising.

"It's big things like electricity to cook that now make it impossible to carry on the takeaway.

"My parents don't want to close and ideally they'd stay open but they are retiring now.

"It's just sad that it has come to this. Our customers have been upset about the closure but it's been a decision made by our family."

The family moved to the UK in 1971 from Hong Kong, with the couple now planning to retire and possibly move back to their home country.

Kun and Lin have thanked their customers for their "loyal support."

The announcement was spread online by members of the Facebook group, Midanbury, Bitterne Park & Riverside Area. 

One commenter said: "Such a shame as there are no decent Chinese takeaways around after Golden River has gone.

"Well deserved retirement for the family but such a loss as where will I get the same special chow mein with extra sauce?"

The shop closure comes after several Southampton businesses shut down last month, including Bitterne Park Triangle's Cotton Bakery. 

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