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Wimpy confirmed last week that its Surrey Street restaurant is set to reopen with a new franchisee, Raj Somasundaram, at the helm.

The news came three months after the beloved burger restaurant closed its doors, having collapsed into liquidation.

Mr Somasundaram, who owned Wimpy’s Littlehampton branch 20 years ago, said he was ‘really sad’ to see the restaurant close and made the decision to return after encouragement, and pleas, from members of the public.

Wimpy has said it hopes the much-loved burger chain will be able return to the town at some stage in the future.

“I thought I would try one more time,” he said.

"It will be a new restaurant. It's a franchise so a lot will stay the same but will it will improve in a lot of places.

“I'm looking forward to opening the business again. Hopefully it will be open soon.”

Mr Somasundaram, who also owns the Chicken Cottage in East Street, said many people were upset when Wimpy closed and asked if there was anything he could do.

Littlehampton Town Centre. Photo by Derek Martin Photography

"People wanted it so that's why I bought it,” he said. "It's very sad how many empty shops there are in the high street.

“I will try my best here and I think we are going to do well. I’m definitely encouraged [for the future].”

Celia Thomson-Hitchcock, chairman of Littlehampton Traders Partnership and owner of hair salon Ahead to Toe, said it was ‘absolutely fantastic’ to hear that Wimpy that would be returning so soon after closing.

She added: “It’s great news. WImpy has been here forever.

"It’s nice they have faith in the town to come and reinvest. I wish them all the very best.

"It’s established, long-standing and been in the town ever since I can remember. It’s great to have it back.”

Arun District Council shared a similar sentiment.

A spokesperson said: “It is great to hear that Wimpy will be staying on Littlehampton’s High Street. It has been a beloved restaurant in the town for 45 years and many residents would have been sad to see it go.

“Littlehampton Town Centre Public Realm Improvements are underway as part of a multi-million-pound project to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit, shop and enjoy for residents and visitors.

"Wimpy staying in the town is a great addition to this project.”

Wimpy set to return to Littlehampton - Returning owner speaks out after positive public response

It is expected that the new-look restaurant – which will feature Wimpy’s latest SHIFT design – will be open before the end of the year.