The owner of an Indian restaurant in Malmesbury says he has been 'taken aback' by the support from the community following his decision to close.
Nurul Amin has run Malmesbury Tandoori alongside Shamsul Haque for almost 40 years, but ceased trading on Monday.
A Facebook post detailing his decision last week received more than 100 comments, and Nurul was rushed off his feet at the weekend as customers came to sample his food for a final time.
"We have been truly taken aback by the support and well wishes and custom we received over the last week," he said.
"It just goes to show the strength of this town and ability to come together to support one of our own.
"Once again many thanks to all one last time and I wish you all the best in the future."
Nurul said ever rising business costs, Covid and staffing issues were among the reasons why he had decided to retire and that he is in the process of agreeing a lease with a new owner.
"This has been an extremely difficult decision and one that I have not made lightly," he said.
"I will now take the time and focus on spending some quality time with my kids and grandkids. They have all sacrificed so much for me to allow me to concentrate on the business and it’s now time to repay that back to them.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of the nearly 40 years we have been trading in this wonderful vibrant town. I have had the privilege of meeting some truly wonderful people and personalities and I am truly grateful to the people of Malmesbury for accepting me and my family with open arms from that day in 1984 when we first arrived and opened the business.
"I have seen the town grow remarkably during this time into what it is today and no doubt that the town and its people will continue to grow and develop further. There will be challenges ahead without doubt but I have full confidence that the town will come together once again and push through it together.
"As the world grows more corporate and multinational, please don’t forget the wonderful small local businesses in the town and high street that are the backbone of our wonderful town, they will need you and us to survive."
One of many comments paying tribute to the restaurant stated: "Can I express my sincere thanks for the dedicated service that Mr Amin and Mr Haque and their team have given during the last 38 years.
"In all that time, the quality of the food never wavered and the warm welcome that awaited customers was an example to all local retailers."
Another said: "You have been an absolute credit to the town."
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