A popular fish and chip van has closed after the owner said rising costs were making his food unaffordable for customers.

Alex Moore, owner of Al’s Chippy, which travelled around Sittingbourne said: “Over the last three months the price of fish has increased more than 60%.

“It is the same with the oil blocks - they used to cost £17, now they are £27, and my gas has gone from £60 to £83.”

When Alex started his business nine months ago he sold a standard fish and chips meal for £5.80. Now, to keep up with rising costs he charges £9.70.

The 27-year-old, from Great Easthall, said: “We worked out to keep going we’d have to charge around £14 for fish and chips, that isn’t fair to the customers.

“There was a time that fish and chips used to be nice cheap and cheerful meal but with how things are going in this day and age it’s impossible to keep prices down.”

Alex’s van had a five star food rating and was popular among the town’s residents.

After he announced the closure on social media, one customer commented: “So sorry to hear this, best fish and chips we’ve had.”

Another read: “Oh no, sorry to hear this however completely understand your situation.”

Alex fears for the future of other entrepreneurs starting out in the cost of living crisis.

He added: “Something needs to change because otherwise new business owners just aren’t going to last.

“Only those who have been in the industry for years and have the money to fall back on will still be around.

“If prices start to lower I will 100% start working with the van again, but for now it just isn’t possible.

“If my bills are going up then so are my customers’ bills and I can’t expect them to afford £14 for some fish and chips.

"I just don’t see how anyone is going to survive in this industry.”