THE future of a Romsey restaurant looks to be safe after a national chain announced almost 100 closures across the UK.

As previously reported, Prezzo, which has a restaurant in the Test Valley town, has shut a series of its stores after the company went into administration.

The future of the store had hung in the balance, but the Romsey Prezzo was not listed among the 94 set to close.

The pizza and pasta chain is shutting all of its Chimichanga stores, and its Southampton outlet will also be closing as part of the restructure.

The Prezzo in Oxford Street will also shut.

Located in Palmerston Street, the Romsey eatery occupies the 16th century Old Manor House, one of the town's oldest buildings.

As previously reported, Romsey's local history society said it would have been a worry if the building was left vacant.

Town centre manager for Romsey, Mark Edgerley, said he was delighted that the restaurant would continue trading in the town.

He said: "The loss of any business from the vibrant and successful town centre like Romsey is always regrettable, especially because of the potential loss of employment opportunities and the fact that nationally, brands do attract new people into the town.

"We are delighted that Romsey Prezzo is to continue trading given a third of the chain is scheduled to close.

"Romsey is currently undergoing major investment in terms of developer funded street enhancements and also private investment in Bradbeers who are upgrading their restaurant and cafe."

The former Manor House that the restaurant is situated within also became part of the Broadlands estate in the early 19th century.

The Prezzo chain was founded by the Kaye family in 2000 before being sold to its owner, TGP Capital of the USA.

Mark added: "All of the investment into Romsey reflects the changing face of high streets from retail centre to social spaces where people can meet, shop and eat and enjoy themselves, choice is so important to that success so I very much welcome Prezzo's decision."