A DEMOLITION team has moved onto the site of a former Pizza Hut on the edge of Taunton.

The fast food outlet closed in August and a KFC drive-thru' and eat in is set to take its place on the Hankridge Way, on Taunton Retail Park.

Workers are making alterations to the existing car park layout to accommodate the KFC unit and to ensure the safe circulation of vehicles.

No opening date for the new takeaway business has been given.

Pizza Hut closed its business due to "disruption following the pandemic".

Its store in Station Road will continue to offer a delivery and collection service to customers.

KFC was granted planning permission by Somerset West and Taunton Council this summer to carry out alterations to the Pizza Hut building.

Both food businesses are owned by Yum!, which also operates Taco Bell and US burger chain Habit.

At the time of the closure of Pizza Hut, a company spokesperson told the County Gazette: "Like many hospitality businesses, Pizza Hut Restaurants has faced disruption following the pandemic.

“We are saddened by the closure of our Hankridge Way restaurant in Taunton, however this was beyond our control.

“Customers can continue to enjoy our pizza from Pizza Hut Delivery, 40 Station Road, Taunton.”

They added: "The unprecedented situation presented by the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes in demand and consumer habits.

“In light of this, retailers have been favouring the drive-thru' format in recognition of their dual functionality, enabling the retailer to offer both restaurant format services as well as drive-thru capabilities.

“The occupation of the unit as a drive-thru' restaurant will require alterations to the car park layout to the east of the site to accommodate the unit and to ensure there is no driver conflict or circulation issues, but the access to and from the site will be unchanged.”