THE countdown has began for fast food chain KFC to open its new outlet in Workington.

The chicken company is working towards a November opening date for the restaurant and drive-thru at Lakes Road, opposite the Derwent Drive industrial estate.

Supporters of KFC have been eagerly awaiting news of the development.

It was five years ago when KFC first revealed its plans to build in the town and last year an application was approved for the two-storey development, which will create 30 jobs.

Since permission was granted, the firm has been ploughing through a number of planning hurdles it needs to clear before building work can begin on the new venture.

And the director of Architect Ltd, Geoff Eaton, who is working on behalf of KFC, has revealed the company is working towards an opening in eight month's time.

Jobs are already being advertised for a number of senior roles in the outlet, including restaurant manager.

KFC first submitted proposals in 2011, but withdrew them the following year.

And in 2015, fresh plans were revealed for a site near the A595 at Lillyhall, then last year the application was lodged for the latest development.

Earlier this year, Mr Eaton said they were "desperately trying" to discharge planning conditions and then the project would be tendered out.

"We are working on the basis of having the store open for November 2017," he added.

As part of the plans, a seven-foot monument honouring the Bessemer smelter used at Workington Steelworks is set to be included.

It will be carved and sculpted in local limestone, which was used to smelt iron in the Bessemer process.

Allerdale councillor Mark Fryer, who is responsible for the borough's economic development, has previously welcomed the company's move to the town.

"I'm more than happy to see national or international names come to Workington," he said.

“I know people will travel to find the shops and restaurants that they want – we have to stop the drain to Carlisle and the other big towns and cities and hold money here in our economy."