KFC wants to build three new stores in Shropshire
Three new KFC restaurants could open in Shropshire as part of a massive expansion by the fast food giant.
Bridgnorth, Telford town centre and the south west of Shrewsbury are the areas earmarked for new outlets by the 'finger-licking chicken' chain.
It has announced proposals for 500 restaurants and drive-thrus over the UK – with around 30 stores planned for the West Midlands alone.
Its plans include outlets in Bridgnorth, the food court in Telford town centre and the south west of Shrewsbury.
A new venture in Tettenhall and also one on the A34 at Stone on the Staffordshire border have also been named.
However precise sites have not yet been identified, with KFC keen to hear about potential venues.
The move comes just a few days after KFC announced it was closing its restaurant in Newtown in mid Wales.
News of a KFC for Bridgnorth has led to divided opinion in the Shropshire town, with no big fast food name within its boundaries.
Councillor Sarah Barlow, the mayor of Bridgnorth, said: "The reaction on social media is about 50/50. There are many people who are saying they would welcome a KFC for the town but there are equally those who say Bridgnorth does not need one.
"The town has a wonderful range of eateries, of all kinds and to suit all tastes, including fast food such as fish and chips and burgers," she said.
"As I understand this is still in its infancy with no site put forward for KFC. And it would have to go through the normal planning applications."
Councillor Barlow said that personally she would not eat a KFC.
"I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and so it is not something I would order myself."
The chain, started by the famous Colonel Saunders in the 1950s, says it will be increasing its imprint in the UK from 900 stores to 1,400. These will include some drive-thru takeaways.
And it is urging those with land that it may be able to use to contact the company, saying that its drive-through outlets need only a third of an acre of land and its, new 'Smallbox' outlets even less.
"Our smallest footprint yet, the Smallbox asset offers the best of both worlds, fitting into 1,000 sq ft with a unique design while still offering customers a great experience. We look for units in high pedestrian area with a strong transient population," the company said.
KFC already has two branches in Shrewsbury - in the town centre and Battlefield - and four in Telford. They are at Wrekin Retail Park, Trench Lock, Madeley and Rampart Way.
In the north of Shropshire, it has a branch on the outskirts of Oswestry in Mile End.
The Newtown KFC closed its doors on January 9 and is now set to become a Burger King.
In a statement on the closure a KFC spokesman said: “It’s been a great run, but all good things must come to an end, so on Sunday we’re closing our doors for good at KFC Newtown.
"We’ll miss our loyal fans but never say never to a restaurant opening nearby in the future.”
