ONE of Altrincham's best known restaurants has closed its doors for the final time.

Francs restaurant, on Goose Green, has served its final meal.

The closure means 15 people have lost their jobs.

Owner Nick Banks, who has run the restaurant for 25 years, blamed the 'sad' decision on a fall in custom, caused by development works in Altrincham.

He said many of his restaurant's problems had been caused by effect of the building of the new Altrincham hospital, next door to his restaurant, and roadworks on Stamford New Road, which had caused a sharp fall in customers.

There was also strong competition from other restaurants.

Nick, aged 55, said: "After 25 years it is a life changing event, it is a very sad day."

But he said he was looking ahead with optimism to concentrating on Francs Catering. He has already been doing event catering for 15 years and will open a kitchen in Millington, Cheshire in three to four weeks as a base for the business.

He said: "We feel positive going into Francs Catering.

"We are still available to do events at people's homes and corporate events."