BOSSES at a well-known Ramsbottom restaurant say that a decision to call in administrators is only "temporary".

Consultants are reviewing the future of operations at Tre Ciccio, in Market Place, and their sister sites in Bramhall and Altrincham.

Administrators Patrick Lannagan and Conrad Pearson, of Mazars, have been brought in to examine affairs at Tre Ciccio Altrincham Ltd, Tri Ciccio Ramsbottom Ltd and Tre Ciccio Bramhall Ltd.

Shortly before their appointment, it was confirmed that the Bramhall restaurant would close but the Ramsbottom and Altrincham eateries are trading as normal.

Mr Lannagan and Mr Pearson said: "Trading at the Altrincham and Ramsbottom restaurants will continue as normal while we assess the financial position of the businesses.

"The restaurant located in Bramhall was closed shortly prior to the appointment of administrators with a reopening planned for February 2020.

"Given the popularity of the restaurants, we are confident that we can achieve a positive outcome for all of the sites."

In a statement, owner Francesco Scarfuri said: "We can confirm Tre Ciccio Ltd is currently in temporary administration for a limited period due to losses in the Tre Ciccio Bramhall restaurant.

"However, we are trading as normal and it’s very much business as usual while we go through a restructuring process.

"We would ask all our Tre Ciccio customers to continue to support us through this period and continue to enjoy our new January menu..."

He also pledged to keep customers updated regarding any developments.

Mr Scarfuri, along with his friends James Gingell and Alan Ritchie, unveiled Tre Ciccio, which took over the former Ramsons location last March.

The restaurant, which is in the Neapolitan style, has operated over three floors, with an open terrace and retractable roof and more than 140 covers.

Plans were also unveiled for a fourth restaurant, in Chester City Centre, last December. The original business sprang up in Altrincham.