A DECENT chain restaurant in Leigh is better than a long-standing empty building, according to residents responding to a campaign to stop Pizza Express coming to town.

Earlier this week, the Echo revealed how a campaign had been launched to prevent national chains targeting Leigh.

This was sparked by the rumour Pizza Express had its sights set on the former Rio restaurant and bar in the Broadway - and more than 400 Leigh residents have now signed the petition.

But not everyone agrees that certain chain outlets will kill Leigh’s character.

Dad-of-two Mark Lucas, 43, of Pall Mall, Leigh, said: “Ideally, of course, you want an independent trader here, but a Pizza Express may work. It’d be better than another charity shop.

“After all it’s a decent chain and importantly it may lead to nearby Pizzerias upping their game, and lowering their prices. “For me there’s chain restaurants and chain restaurants. If it was a Burger King or McDonald’s then of course, no.

Kelly Jackson, 27, of Cliffsea Grove, Leigh, added: “The Rio wasn’t a nice place. There was lots people in there who had drunk too much and were too rowdy.

“It’s a lovely building in a nice part of town. The sooner something is sorted the better. As a resident I don’t want chains invading the town, but what no-one around here wants is empty shops, for long periods of time. Also there are plenty of charity shops around here at the moment so with all due respect to them, enough is enough.”

Town councillor Caroline Parker feels it is a complex issue. She said: “It’s a double-edge sword. Ideally, it would be kept for independent traders but if it’s going to be empty for a long time then Pizza Express is better than nothing. If a chain moves in, it must respect Leigh’s unique character.”