A BIG name fast food chain is closing the doors of its Irvine branch, the Times understands.

According to staff, the Pizza Hut delivery franchise at the former Ladbrokes in Quarry Road is shutting down this week.

The Times understands the pizza chain has struggled to make a profit in the Turf Corner store and staff say it will close on Thursday, January 18.

The store is just yards from American pizza chain Dominos in East Road and joined McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and more on the long list of fast-food outlets in Irvine.

Councillor Scott Gallacher said: “It’s disappointing that Pizza Hut could be closing.

“I’m not sure of the exact circumstances but it is difficult to get parked there.

“Obviously it’s sad to see a big name like this leaving the town, but hopefully someone else will take over that spot and open something else worthwhile in that space.

“Hopefully all the staff who work there will be able to get employment elsewhere.

“The franchise owner has obviously given it a shot but ultimately decided it is not working, and made this difficult decision which is fair enough.”

However despite two separate Pizza Hut staff confirming the store’s closure, a spokesperson for the company denied the store would close “on Thursday” but refused to comment completely on the closure claims.

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut said: “This store is not due to close on Thursday. We are currently in discussions with our franchisee regarding this Hut and as such we are unable to provide any further information at this time.”

Plans to open the Pizza Hut in Irvine Town centre were first approved by councillors in November, 2015.

It opened the following year in May 2016.