Pizza Hut has apologised to customers in High Wycombe amid confirmation that its branch in the town will be replaced by a fifth McDonald's restaurant this month.

Staff at the Pizza Hut on Ryemead Way, near Wycombe Retail Park, told customers at the end of August that the branch would close after its lease expired in September.

They also said it would be taken up by fellow fast-food chain McDonald's – news that a representative for the burger-centric corporation confirmed last week.

And a spokesperson for Pizza Hut has now dotted the i's and crossed the t's from their end – apologising to customers for "any inconvenience caused" by the closure.

They added: “If you are looking for a dine-in restaurant and our famous buffet, our Bracknell restaurant is a short drive away, or alternatively, customers can also dine in at another nearby restaurant in Hayes Retail Park or order from our website.”

The Italian chain still has a takeaway presence in Wycombe on Castle Street.

Alan Butchers, franchisee owner of the town's four existing McDonald's branches, dodged controversy over the proliferation of outlets in Wycombe while speaking to the Free Press at the beginning of the month, saying he was "excited to bring significant investment and create up to 60 full and part-time jobs" at the new site.

He added: "We also look forward to further contributing to the local community, continuing the fantastic work done in our other High Wycombe restaurants including daily litter picks and fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities."

Many Wycombe residents didn’t share his optimism, however – with readers of this newspaper describing the arrival of yet another Maccy D’s in the area as “ridiculous” and “utter madness”.