A CHIP shop owner has taken the “heartbreaking” decision to retire.

Aldo Crolla, who lives in Paisley, has called it a day after almost 30 years at L’Arco takeaway, in Cross Arthurlie Street, Barrhead.

Health issues caused by diabetes left the businessman feeling jaded and unable to continue to serve customers with the same energy as before.

Having started the business from scratch, 54-year-old Aldo admits hanging up his apron has not been easy.

However, he believes the time is right for his wife Maria, 48, and himself to move on.

Aldo said: “It is heartbreaking. We tried to be as good as we could be at it and as good to people as we could be.

“We just want to get our health back in order. I’m diabetic and felt I couldn’t do the hours and the effort any longer.

“Put it this way, it was 15 to 16 hours work each day and I hadn’t had a day off since a year past April.”

With his roots in Italy, Aldo long harboured an ambition to follow in his family footsteps by entering the food industry.

His dad Tony owned the Central Café, in Barrhead.

Aldo also credits the influence of his late mum Maria, who helped him to set up the business back in 1988.

He admits he will miss his customers, many of whom he now regards as close friends.

“I grew up in Barrhead and went to school there, so I’ve known a lot of people through the years,” he added.

“We’ve had a lot of cards and good wishes, so we’re grateful for those.

“My own children, Antonio and Nadia, did many a shift behind the counter before going on to their own careers.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to all of the loyal staff we’ve had over the years.”

Zafir and Debbie Hashim have taken over as the new owners of L’Arco.