A TASTE of Italy is soon to make an appearance in Accrington town centre as an empty property is due to re-open as an Italian restaurant and wine bar.

The former McDonalds building on Black-burn Road has been left empty since the fast food chain moved to the Viaduct complex next to the Premiere Cinema a year ago.

According to Councillor Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council, conversion of the building into the restaurant should be complete by the end of the year.

He said the introduction of the restaurant into empty premises was good news for business in the town centre.

He said: "This is a major step for regeneration in the town centre and it is tremendous news.

"We have been concerned that the former McDonalds site was uninhabited so we are delighted the building will be put to a better use.

"It's about using the site both during the day and night and I feel this will boost the town centre's image as a place to go out to in the evening.

"The introduction of the restaurant is a sign of more businesses interested in coming to the town."

Bill Huntly, Town Centre Manager, said: "We are delighted to have the building re-occupied and brought back into use.

"As this is a private commercial arrangement between the owner of the building and the business owner, the council takes no part in it.

"However, this is good news for Accrington town centre."