A Chinese takeaway restaurant dubbed a “feature of Wanstead” is closing after nearly four decades.

Dunhuang House in High Street is closing on Friday with owner Carol Man and head chef Ying Fook Wong both retiring.

Mrs Man, of Gloucester Road, took over the business 26 years ago and kept its original name.

The 52-year-old admitted the business was forced to sell up because of a dip in business due to a delivery service not being offered.

She also said a lack of adequate parking for customers in the area was also a factor.

The Mother-of-three said: “Wanstead is a lovely place but business has really dipped in the past decade. There is no parking which causes trouble for our customers.

“We also just did not keep up with technological advances. I am from a generation who are scared of computers and we don’t do deliveries.

“The business has been struggling so I made the decision to sell up.

"It is so sad and no one wanted to leave, but we have no choice.

“I love my customers and we have developed relationships with all of them.

"I will still be living in Wanstead and still hope to see people around.”

David Vine, of Gordon Road, has been a regular customer at the takeaway restaurant since he moved to Wanstead in 1980.

The 72-year-old said: “It was the first place I got food from in Wanstead, back when there were hardly any restaurants here.

“It is a high quality Chinese takeaway with pleasant members of staff so I am very sorry it is closing down.

“It became a feature of Wanstead and I grew particularly fond of it.”