Fire-hit KFC to open within a month

A fire-ravaged KFC in Wolverhampton which has been shut for almost a year is to re-open on October 4, it has been announced.

Wooden boards and scaffolding have gone up around the restaurant on Penn Road in preparation for new windows to be installed, and work on the damaged roof is also taking shape.

The site has lain empty since the blaze last November, which was caused by a faulty heater or air conditioning unit.

The branch employed around 40 people before the blaze and those who wanted to stay were guaranteed jobs.

The company launched a recruitment campaign last month to fill around 30 positions for team members and shift runners. Most of those jobs have now been taken. Leigh Calladine, area coach for KFC in Wolverhampton, said: "We're delighted to confirm that our Penn Road restaurant will be re-opening on Monday, October 4.

"The restaurant will employ more than 40 people and we've already filled the majority of the positions." She also thanked customers for being patient.

The restaurant was originally set to reopen early in the new year and an opening date was then moved back until May.

There was a delay due to complications with insurance.

The restaurant was derelict with the roof badly damaged while the insurance problems were resolved. Fire service investigators concluded that either an over-heated air conditioning unit or a heater was to blame for the severe blaze in the middle of the afternoon on November 27 last year.

Around 50 per cent of the building was involved and it was not treated as arson.

The fire destroyed most of the roof and led to the evacuation of nine workers and five customers.

KFC had also planned to convert a derelict pub into a drive-thru restaurant but the scheme for the Island House on Stafford Road was thrown out by council chiefs in July.

Residents were worried that the proposed development would create noise and litter.