Pizza Hut has "no plans to close" Blackpool restaurant despite landlord seeking new tenants

The fast-food chain has responded to concerns about the future of its branch in Cherry Tree Road North, off Preston New Road, after "To Let" signs were pinned to the building over the weekend.

Pizza Hut has confirmed that its landlord is seeking new tenants, but says it has "not been informed of any changes to the lease" and has no plans to cease trading from the site.

A spokesman for Pizza Hut said: "The Blackpool New Road Pizza Hut Restaurant is open and trading for Takeaway and Delivery with no planned closure date."

The restaurant, which neighbours KFC, McDonald's and Subway, has been closed for indoor dining since the beginning of lockdown, but has remained open for its delivery and takeaway service as normal.

It added: "We understand the landlord may be seeking new tenants, but Pizza Hut has not been informed of any changes to the lease, and plans to continue to operate from the location.

"The dine-in function is not currently available to customers due to national coronavirus lockdown restrictions but this Pizza Hut Restaurant is operating, and open for collection or delivery (via Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat)."

Pizza Hut also operates two other restaurants in Blackpool - its town centre branch in Church Street and its restaurant on The Prom in South Shore.

It also has its delivery-only service based in Red Bank Road, Bispham and a take-away/delivery branch in Waterloo Road, near South Station.

Last year, the pizza chain closed its branch on Cleveleys Prom. It was one of 29 Pizza Huts to shut across the UK after the fast-food giant said it had experienced a "significant disruption" to profits as a result of the coronavirus.

Earlier this month, KFC announced that it was closing its town centre restaurant in Bank Hey Street, next to Blackpool Tower.