A Basildon town centre fast food restaurant is closing after almost 30 years.

KFC’s Southernhay franchise has struggled to attract customers in recent years and is closing on Saturday. It says the 15 staff have been offered jobs at its two other local branches.

The restaurant is the latest in a series of businesses to close in Southernhay and will leave another large building in the town centre.

Last year two pet shops in Southernhay, Fishy Friends and Aquatic and Pet Shop, also closed, citing lack of custom as the reason. Other shops in the street have sat empty for several months or even years.

Pat Rackley, Labour Basildon councillor for St Martin’s ward, said: “I’m really shocked. KFC used to be so busy.

“When places like KFC close down, you know the economy’s bad because people just aren’t spending money any more.

“I don’t like to see any shop closing and people losing their jobs, but I think it’s just part of the current climate.

“It’s such a shame there will be another empty shop. People just aren’t visiting that end of town as much any more.”

The KFC chain took another hit earlier this month when plans for a new restaurant and drive-through on the former Laindon Hotel site in High Road, Laindon, were recommended for refusal by planning officers.

Neighbours had objected and officers felt it would have a negative impact on the local area, cause parking problems and lead to late-evening noise and disturbances.

The final decision has yet to be made by Stephen Hillier, chairman of the council’s planning committee.

However, KFC has had success elsewhere in recent months opening new branches in Greyhound Way, Southend, and Progress Road, Eastwood.

A spokesman for the franchisee operating the Southernhay KFC said: “We continually evaluate our restaurants to ensure they are in the best possible areas to meet consumer demand.

“Our lease at the Southernhay store has come to an end and we have taken the decision to close this weekend. “All staff have been offered jobs at our other restaurants in the area.”