A man from High Wycombe says he was told by staff at his local Pizza Hut that the branch is set to close next month – and be replaced by the town's fifth McDonald’s.

Robin Gardner, a long-term resident and supporter of Wycombe Wanderers, said he heard the news during a visit to the chain at the retail park on Ryemead Way on Saturday, August 24.

He and his wife are regular customers and special fans of the restaurant’s all-you-can-eat salad and pizza buffet – but their weekend trip was brought to an abrupt halt, Robin said, when they overheard other diners discussing the branch’s imminent closure.

“Towards the end of our meal, we heard a couple who were on their way out say something about Pizza Hut closing – so when our server came over to us, we asked her if it was true.

“She said it was and that the restaurant will close at the end of September because the lease has run out.

READ MORE: FOUR major incidents cause chaos on the M40 in one week

“Then she told us that McDonald’s has plans to move into the building after they’ve left, but she wasn’t sure when. We were shocked – I’ll definitely miss Pizza Hut, and I don’t think we need another McDonald’s!”

There are already four McDonald’s in High Wycombe – on Dovecot Road, High Street, Holmers Farm Way and Crest Road – the latest of which opened in April this year.

Speaking to the Free Press in the spring, however, restauranteur Alan Butchers suggested that the fast-food chain is actually “underrepresented” in the town.

He said: “The outlet in the Asda (on Holmers Farm Way) is more of a concession and (the Crest Road branch) is a bigger restaurant, serving more people through drive-thru, sit-in, click-and-serve and delivery. It gives more flexibility to our customers."

Pizza Hut and McDonald’s have been contacted for comment.