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Confirmed: Isle Of Wight Pizza Express Closure Plans Approved

Plans which will see Newport's Pizza Express restaurant close have been approved by creditors.

The proposals will see dozens of UK restaurants, including the Island's one, shut.

It means 1,100 people at risk of losing their job.

As Isle of Wight Radio reported last month, the Island branch was on a list of 73 stores set to close.

The company has been forced to act after coronavirus lockdown took a heavy toll on revenues and raised costs.

Speaking about a vote by creditors, Pizza Express said:

"The successful vote unlocks the company's ability to actively address the challenges brought by COVID-19, securing over 9,000 jobs in the UK.

"The directors of Pizza Express thank its creditors for their support during this period and look forward to ongoing partnership as the hospitality industry recovers to growth."

According to Sky News, the chain, majority-owned by Chinese firm Hony Capital, has also been put up for sale as the sector continues its fightback from hibernation.

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