A long-running family restaurant will be replaced by a betting centre under new plans.
The Norfolk Kitchen Diner, in Guildhall Street, Thetford is closing down after more than 50 years due to ongoing financial difficulties.
New proposals will see the neighbouring Superslots gaming centre expand into the unit to create two additional arcade areas.
The Norfolk Kitchen Diner, in Guildhall Street, Thetford, is set to close. Picture: Google Maps
Locals have spoken of their disappointment at the closure of the Norfolk Kitchen Diner but its owners say the rise of discount pub chains means the business is no longer viable.
The restaurant first opened its Thetford branch in 1972 and but has struggled in recent months with rising costs in bills and the Labour government’s increases to taxes for employers.
The family behind the business have decided to expand Superslots, which sits next door and is also under their ownership, instead of continuing to run the restaurant.
A spokeswoman for the business said: “We have seen that people are upset about our family making the awful decision to close the cafe.
“Unfortunately we have been running at a serious loss every week for the past year and we simply can’t afford to carry on.”