The closure of Pizza Hut has strengthened the resolve of councillors to turn Epsom High Street into a more vibrant place for businesses.

A Pizza Hut spokeswoman said they closed the restaurant on Sunday because there were not enough customers but would continue to deliver pizzas in Epsom.

The restaurant was located at the end of the high street, leading to Upper High Street, a stretch which worried retailers have previously warned is ‘dying'.

Residents’ Association Councillor Neil Dallen said: "It’s a pity because we want more businesses to come in, not lose what we have.

"We can’t control the economic climate, but we can make Epsom a bigger and better place to do business."

Lib Dem Councillor Julie Morris said: "We need to address this town of two halves. We are hopeful something will be done to Upper High Street in the near future. We need to draw people to high street east."

In January Christine Stanley, owner of women's boutique Basler, said the area near the Ashley Centre is busy but the high street becomes increasingly quiet further down.

She said: "It's dying. It's a town of two halves."

A Pizza Hut spokeswoman said: "We continually evaluate the location of our restaurants to ensure they are in the best possible areas to meet consumer demand, and as a result of this process have closed our restaurant in Epsom.

"Pizza Hut Delivery in (Waterloo Road) Epsom is unaffected by this closure and remains open as usual for takeaway and delivery. "All our staff were offered relocation to other restaurants in the area, where possible."