A popular Indian restaurant and takeaway has been forced to close its doors after 22 years of serving the community after citing rising costs as the reason for having to shut. 

Spices Indian Restaurant, on Middleton Road in Hartlepool, has been serving up its blend of tasty dishes to residents and visitors since 2000 - but has made the tough decision to close down. 

The Indian restaurant, which has been called 'the heart of the marina' by some loyal customers, is just one of many venues that have been forced to close due to the cost of living crisis, alongside rising rents and produce costs.   

Read more: A1(M) industrial hub at Catterick gains approval - creating 1250 jobs

In a statement online, the restaurant said: "It's with a heavy heart we need to announce that after 22 years we decided to close our doors for the last time this past new years day

"Due to the costs continually rising of pretty much everything we have exhausted every option available for us to stay open and keep the price reasonable for our customers and it's just impossible now coupled with the car park being extortionate and rising every year with no assistance from the council regarding this

"We want to thank all of the loyal customers that have dined with us all of these years, new and old."

Despite announcing its closure, online, it's not all doom and gloom for fans of the restaurant. 

In the post, the owners of Spices mentioned that they are looking to open a new restaurant elsewhere in Hartlepool and will update customers when they have found a location. 

Read next:

The statement added: "Moving forward we are hoping to relocate and reopen in the near future and hope to see you all return.

"Thanks again everyone we really wouldn't have had a 22 year run in our old location without you all.

"Keep an eye out for our new location, we will return with a bang in the near future."