A CAMPAIGN calling for restaurant giant Wagamama to fill an empty Cathedral Square is gathering momentum.

Earlier this week we reported that Byron Burgers had officially shelved plans to fill a unit allocated to the firm.

Attention soon shifted to who could fill the unit, which is in a prime location, and many Worcester News readers were quick to name Wagamama on social media as the preferred choice to step in.

The restaurant chain, which is known for its Japanese-inspired menu, has become popular in recent years opening outlets throughout the UK.

On Facebook, Andrew Wilson wrote: “Wagamama instead then please”, and a number of readers replied “yes”, with Stuart Lane adding: “Definitely that would be awesome.”

A Facebook group called ‘Wagamama for Worcester’ has attracted more than 600 likes, and 500 followers.

In response to the Worcester News article, the group posted: “So Byron Burger is DEFINITELY no longer coming to Worcester.

“Hmmmmmmmm I wonder what else could fill that prime spot in our lovely city? #wagamama”

One supporter called it a 'game changer' if the restaurant chain, which sells oriental noodle and vegetarian food, was to make the move.

Wagamama did not respond to our request for a comment, but there is a general statement on the Wagamama website which addresses calls for new restaurants.

The statement says: “We continually look at catchment areas and the potential market in various areas.

"We look at our existing restaurants and any strong comparable towns and would love to be closer to all our Wagamama fans."

Byron was one of the first to originally sign up for the £20 million development in Cathedral Square, and there were a number of assurances from the burger chain that it would be opening at the unit.

But a spokesman for the firm issued a statement on Tuesday that it would be not coming to the city “as a result of the restructuring process.”

The restructuring process is linked to a financial rescue proposal which allows Byron to continue to trade, but with some restaurant closures.

A spokesman for property firm Salmon Harvester, the developers behind Cathedral Square, told us they welcomed that the uncertainty was now cleared up.

He said he was confident the unit would be "attractive to firms, as it was in a great spot."