A FAST food takeaway restaurant has unexpectedly closed, leaving fears for another empty unit in the town. 

KFC in Ringwood Road, Ferndown, is currently locked and signs have been placed in the window saying ‘Sorry, we’re now closed’. 

It is understood the restaurant, which also has a drive-thru, has been closed since today, Saturday, September 30. 

Read more: KFC confirms 'sad' closure of one of its restaurants

Residents were seen walking up to the door, hungry for some chicken, before noticing the restaurant had closed. 

KFC has been approached for more details. 

Bournemouth Echo: Ferndown KFC

If it is not to reopen, it will be the third national business to close in Ferndown this month. 

Last weekend, Wetherspoon pub The Nightjar had closed after more than 20 years on the high street in Victoria Road. 

Read more: Day's buffet restaurant in Tower Park closes 'suddenly'

It came after a petition to stop the closure had reached more than 1,400 signatures with residents concerned the loss would result in a decline of Ferndown's high street.

Wetherspoon said it is "very grateful" for the customers over the past 24 years, but said it had reached the decision not to renew its lease.

The week before that, Wilko next door had closed after the company went into administration, although it had since been confirmed Poundland will take over the shop. 

KFC also has branches in Castlepoint in Bournemouth, Tower Park in Poole and along Winton high street (Wimborne Road).

The chain also has a planning application in place to open a new Bournemouth town centre branch, across the road from the restaurant which closed on Lansdowne Roundabout.