A FOOD outlet has suddenly shut down in The Broadway shopping centre, with employees reportedly only being informed of the closure by text message.

Baked potato seller Spud U Like occupied one of the first kiosks on the Charles Street Mall of the multi-million pound retail centre in Bradford as part of the food court.

But the outlet suddenly closed this week and the stall was left empty yesterday.

Spud U Like was one of nine retailers that were announced back in May 2015 has having signed up to take space in the Westfield development, and were there from the opening day in November last year.

At the time the announcement of Spud U Like, along with three other food outlets, meant that the centre’s food court was fully let.

The Telegraph & Argus understands that staff at Spud U Like were informed that the kiosk was closing with immediate effect by text message.

However, a spokesman for the Broadway Centre told the Telegraph & Argus the sudden closure of the Spud U Like stall was not a permanent one.

Ian Ward, general manager of The Broadway, said: “The Broadway has been informed by Spud U Like that the outlet has closed ahead of a relaunch.

“We look forward to welcoming the Spud U Like team back to the centre in the coming months.”

Bradford Council also confirmed that the sudden closure of the baked potato stall is not a permanent one.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “We understand that Spud U Like in the Broadway Centre is relaunching over the coming weeks.

“In addition, there are many new major retailers which have recently opened in the centre including HMV, Urban Chocolatier, Smiggle and Select Fashion.

“We expect work to start in the next couple of months on the new adjoining cinema complex which will include further national food and leisure providers which will be a further great boost to the city centre.”

Val Summerscales, secretary of Bradford Chamber of Trade, expressed her relief one of the shopping centre’s original tenants would be remaining at the Broadway, but also expressed some concern at the lack of clarity from Spud U Like around the decision.

She said: “It’s their business and how they do things is up to them, but obviously it has created a bit of uncertainty.

“But we are pleased that it will be staying in the Broadway once it reopens.

Last month a number of new tenants were announced by Meyer Bergman, which owns the shopping centre, taking occupation levels to its highest yet at 93 per cent.

At the time the firm also confirmed that they were in talks with a number of high-profile retailers and that the expected the remaining few units would be signed up in the coming months.