A fish and chip shop owner in a Buckinghamshire village has pleaded with customers to ‘spare a thought for local businesses’ as the industry continues to struggle.

Gavin Singh, who is the proprietor of Oysters Fish and Chips in Marlow Bottom, has told the Free Press that ‘they are just about keeping their head above water’ and that things are ‘not getting easier’.

His worries are echoed by many other chip shop owners who are battling an increase in gas and electricity prices, along with the rise in stock.

The latter has been linked with the War in Ukraine as many British businesses use Russian trawlers to get their fish.

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However, following the start of the invasion in February 2022, the costs of those draggers have risen to ‘eye-watering levels’, with many chippies resorting to contingency plans by sourcing different fish from other parts of the world.

Goods from the Faroe Islands, Norway and Finland are now being mainly used.

Speaking to the Free Press, Gavin told the Free Press: “It’s been another tough year as it’s not been easy, but we’re getting on with.

“Food costs, along with electricity and gas are still at an all time high and I think there has been a kneejerk reaction to increasing some of the prices.

“For example, the cost of our flour has risen by nearly 60 per cent so this has impacted us on how much batter we use.  

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“We can’t be charging £12 for fish and chips – that’s not right.

“And you can’t solve it – you have to work that.”

Mr Singh, who owns three more eateries in the South East, also thanked the customers who have shown ‘nothing but support’ for his business.

He has overseen Oysters’ Marlow Bottom branch since March 2009 and has made into a popular asset for the village which has a population of just over 3,000 people.

However, despite the loyal customer base, he has urged those in the area to ‘spare a thought for local businesses’, rather than go to an international chain.

He continued: “We don’t have passing traders, so we are conscious of our customers.

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“We know who most of our customers are as they have grown up in the village or when they leave, they come back and usually eat with us.

“We are grateful for the support we get.

“But I hope they can spare a thought for local businesses as we are all in a battle.

“You can go into a huge national chain and get food that’s fast or processed when at the same time and for pretty much the same price, you can get fresh fish which will help a local business.”

Oysters in Marlow Bottom has been regarded as one of the best in the UK following an inspection back in 2020.