A popular takeaway which suddenly closed its doors “temporarily” more than six months ago is to be replaced.

Chinese Kong Wah stopped trading in June from its site in Church Road, Willesborough, in Ashford.

A sign was put up in the window of the shop and remained there until November.

It read: “Dear Kong Wah customers - we are temporarily closed. Hopefully reopening soon.”

Back in October, people discussed its closure on social media - with one saying they were “missing” it not being open.

However, the business has now ceased trading more than 11 years after it replaced the former Lee’s Chinese Takeaway.

Kong Wah’s departure came almost one year after it received a three-star food hygiene rating in January.

It will now be replaced by a new takeaway called Yummy.

Boss Xiu He Wang says it will offer traditional Chinese dishes.

The 41-year-old explained: “Kong Wah closed back in June, but we aren’t related to them.

“They had to shut for medical reasons after someone in the business became ill.

“The business owner was nearing retirement age when it happened though, so decided to sell.

“But for us, we are going to be a traditional Chinese takeaway.

“Some of the most popular dishes will probably be foods like chicken bowls and our salt and pepper combination boxes.

“We’ll also sell chicken chow mein and noodle and rice dishes.

“But the previous takeaway has been closed for a while, so hopefully we’ll slowly be able to pick things up.”

Mr Wang, who lives in Kingsnorth, sold his previous business in Dover, also called Yummy, two years ago.

He added: “This is the fifth food business I have been involved in.

“I recently sold Yummy in Dover to another owner after opening it in about 2012.

“But living in Ashford it was a bit of a journey there, so that’s why I’m starting here now.

“Touchwood we have found a good spot, but you never know until you open.

“I’m there every day at the moment cleaning and getting things ready.

“It will be collection and delivery when it opens and people can order on the website.”

Yummy is set to open on Sunday (January 7).

It is to start with four employees on its books - three in the kitchen and one at the front of the shop.

Opening hours have not yet been confirmed, although the takeaway is seeking to employ delivery drivers.

Yummy will be the second Chinese restaurant to trade in Willesborough - alongside Wok 4 U Send 2 U in Hunter Avenue.