PIZZA giant Domino’s is the latest big-name chain to set its sights on Royston, and is promising to create 25-35 jobs in the town when it opens later this year.

The firm is looking to set up a takeaway restaurant in Melbourn Street, and has applied to change the use of a former tool hire shop from A1 (retail) to A4 (hot food takeaway).

A spokesman for the firm said: “Domino’s currently has around 800 stores in the UK and Ireland and has a goal to increase this number further. We are continually researching and reviewing locations across the country in which to open new stores.

“We’ve identified Royston as having great potential for pizza and are actively looking at possible sites. Opening a store in the town will generate 25–35 new jobs for local people and we hope to be able to bring piping hot pizza to Royston later on this year.”

The news follows the opening of a new McDonald’s restaurant earlier this month near the Littlechef roundabout. Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is also has permission to transform the derelict Manor House Club into a food and ale house.

Members of Royston Town Council’s planning committee gave their blessing to the change of use, but expressed some concerns about the impact it may have on parking.

Plans for the restaurant say that customers will be able to park behind the Manor House club, but councillors are worried customers will pull up on the side of the road in front of the store, causing congestion.

Cllr Margeurite Phillips said: “I think parking could be a big issue. People who go to get pizza really don’t want to have the exercise of having to walk there.”

Cllr F John Smith added: “Have they got an agreement with the car park’s owners? I think we need a little more clarity on that.

“I’ve said before that there are enough places in Royston to eat out every night for a month. This will be the start of the second month.”

*What do you think? Do you welcome the arrival of Dominoes? Email postbag@royston-crow.co.uk