A THAI restaurant in Flintshire has closed its doors owing to the changing economic climate.

The Thaidee, in Flint, has closed its doors as a restaurant after two years of being open - but it will continue as a takeaway business.

Martin Lovell, co-owner of the business, said: "We’ve had to make some painful decisions over last few years. Some that have proven to be prudent businesss decisions and others that have cut deep.

"The simple truth is from a business perspective the restaurant side should have been shut a year ago. Ego and our hearts got in the way. Flint has made our little takeaway business the success it is. The unfortunate truth is restaurants don’t work in Flint. When people want to go out they simply go out of town."

They added: "I absolutely understand as I find myself doing the same thing. I just wanted to be the one that changed that mentality by offering a nice setting.

"Everything that has happened over the last few years has had an impact on all businesses up and down the country. It has shattered all the plans we had. We have decided Flint will be the only Thaidee for the near future at least. My lovely wife Da, whom is the real boss behind Thaidee, is exhausted.

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However, it is hoped a new venture will fill the restaurant space in the future. 

Martin said: "It’s time to double down on what does well and reinvent ourselves a little. Try new things in the space. We have many ideas, a Thai shop being one of them. Hopefully becoming a little food court and mini market. We won’t give up trying - it’s been our little dream for too long.

After the Thaidee posted on Facebook announcing the closure of its restaurant, people commented expressing their sadness at the news. 

One person said: "Ah this is sad, we come from Prestatyn to eat with you or get a takeaway and bubble tea. I wish you all the success with whatever you fill that side with and will continue to order takeaways as much as possible."