FAST food chain KFC has confirmed it has closed the doors to one of its Dorset restaurants. 

Signs went up earlier today (September 30) on the KFC in Ringwood Road, Ferndown saying ‘Sorry, we are now closed’ with the lights still on but the doors locked. 

People had hoped that the closure was temporary and that it would be back open soon, with many hungry diners pulling up outside wanting their fix of chicken. 

Now, though, a spokesperson for the American fried chicken restaurant has confirmed it will not be reopening. 

Bournemouth Echo: Ferndown KFC

The spokesperson said: “We’re constantly reviewing our portfolio of over 1,000 restaurants and at times, this sadly means we need to close some, while looking for opportunities to open new restaurants in other locations across the country.  

“Since 2018 we have opened over 200 restaurants and right now, we’re looking to open another 500 sites across the country over the next 15 years.

Read more: KFC closed in Ringwood Road, Ferndown

“However, we understand that any restaurant closure is disappointing, but our loyal fans can always find their next nearest restaurant on our website: https://www.kfc.co.uk/kfc-near-me.” 

KFC also has branches in Castlepoint in Bournemouth, Tower Park in Poole and along Winton high street (Wimborne Road). 

Bournemouth Echo: Ferndown KFC

The chain also has a planning application in place to open a new Bournemouth town centre branch, across the road from the restaurant which closed on Lansdowne Roundabout.  

This latest closure is the third brand to leave Ferndown in two weeks. 

Last weekend, Wetherspoon pub The Nightjar had closed after more than 20 years on the high street in Victoria Road.  

It came after a petition to stop the closure had reached more than 1,400 signatures with residents concerned the loss would result in a decline of Ferndown's high street. 

Wetherspoon said it is "very grateful" for the customers over the past 24 years, but said it had reached the decision not to renew its lease. 

The week before that, Wilko next door had closed after the company went into administration, although it had since been confirmed Poundland will take over the shop.