PIZZA Express is set to close its town centre restaurant this weekend.

It has been announced that the last day of trading for the Wood Street restaurant, off Bradshawgate, will be this Sunday. 

The restaurant has been in the town for almost 20 years, opening towards the end of 1999. 

Now though, the restaurant chain has announced that it will close this weekend as it looks to focus on other restaurants in the area.

Graham Fenwick, regional director, at Pizza Express said: “We have made the decision to close our restaurant in Bolton, to focus trading on the various restaurants we have in the surrounding area; including nearby Bury, Prestwich and the seven sites we have in Manchester.

"As is always the case with Pizza Express, we are working with all team members affected to find them alternative roles within the business.”

The restaurant is based in one of Bolton's oldest buildings, the grade II listed Aspen House. 

Bolton Council's director of place, Stephen Young, said: “It is incredibly disappointing that Pizza Express will be leaving Bolton and we are contacting them to see if we can help to relocate the restaurant elsewhere in the town.

“The location of the restaurant was selected by the company and we understand that prior to the economic downturn the restaurant was struggling.

"We will also be exploring all opportunities to try and find a new occupier for the building.” 

Pizza Express runs more than 400 restaurants across the country.