The owner of an independent coffee shop in Great Missenden said he was forced to sell his business because he couldn’t compete when a Costa outlet moved in next door.

Kevin Galvin, who has run Coffee Approach on the High Street for two and a half years, described the move as a “kick in the teeth” when the national chain moved to the area five months ago.

The shop was listed for sale on the Daltons Business website last week with a leasehold price of £165,000 and an annual turnover of £260,000.

Mr Galvin said: “It is not worth it when places like Costa are moving in and destroying a lot of businesses.

“When your profits are slashed it is time to reconsider. I felt it was time to jump before I am pushed. It is not worth running the business simply to pay wages.

“It is disappointing for the town. People are annoyed about it. They wanted to support us but you cannot compete with that.”

Mr Galvin had planned to turn the vacant space next door to the café into an Italian restaurant back in April 2015, but was beaten to it by Costa.

A spokesperson from Kout Food Group – franchise partner of Costa Coffee - said: “Since opening in June our Great Missenden store has provided more than £275k in investment and 10 new jobs as well as greater choice for the local area.

“We're committed to making a positive contribution to the town, providing facilities in store for the community and playing our part in supporting local initiatives and charities where we can.

“Great Missenden has a vibrant mix of cafes and places to eat and drink and we believe that customers can and will choose different cafes based on their needs at the time.”

Mr Galvin confirmed that Coffee Approach would not be opening at a different location.