FAST food giant McDonald’s is to close its Ellesmere Port restaurant after 27 years in the town.

The branch, on Whitby Road will officially close its doors on December 16.

But no jobs will be lost in the closure – staff will instead be transferred to ‘neighbouring restaurants’.

Kate McGown, a McDonald’s spokeswoman told the Pioneer: “We can confirm that, together with our local franchisee, we have decided to close the restaurant at Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, on December 16, 2012.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly but as we constantly review our estate, it has become apparent that trading patterns in Ellesmere Port have changed and we have therefore taken the difficult decision to cease trading at this site.

“No compulsory redundancies will take place as a result of this closure, with all staff being offered transfers to neighbouring restaurants.”

She added: “With more than 1,200 restaurants across the UK, it’s essential that we continue to have the right restaurants in the right places to ensure we stay relevant and convenient for our customers.

“The high street environment continues to change, and opening, closing or relocating restaurants enables us to take an integrated, focused and strategic approach to future growth.”

There are currently no plans concerning the future of the building.