A fast-food chain which pulled the plug on plans to move into Colchester High Street is hoping another firm can take over its lease, it is understood.

Byron Burgers first announced plans to open in the former Oasis clothes shop in 2016.

But the plans were hit by delays as the chain struggled financially and, last month, bosses announced plans to pull out.

READ MORE: Burger joint pulls out of High Street move after more than two years of promises

Colchester Council bosses had been looking into issuing the firm with a section 215 notice - the same notice handed to the owners of the old Odeon, in Crouch Street - because it had become so untidy.

But the Gazette now understands that move was shelved after all branding was removed from the High Street front and replaced with plain vinyl.

It is understood prospective new tenants are now being sought.

Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for a widespread town centre clean-up, has requested a meeting with Oasis bosses to investigate whether there is any chance of a return to the town.

He said: "It was a popular shop and was a big loss to Colchester when it went.

"The hope is; this is a prime location on our High Street and somebody will come along and snap the hand off the owner to get in there.

"You might find it difficult to find somewhere better than there."

A spokesman for Byron said: “Byron’s current focus is on our existing restaurants and we’re not planning for a new opening in Colchester at this time.”

The news comes after successful first years for Five Guys, Wagamama and Turtle Bay, which are all opposite the Byron site.