A popular Halstead High Street restaurant which shut because of a gas leak has closed for good.

Turkish restaurant Lalezar (pictured), which opened last October before shutting in May with a notice in the window reporting a gas leak, is now on the market.

Birchall Steel Property Consultants, which is marketing the building, is hopeful it will be occupied by Christmas.

Director Gordon Birchall said: “We have had quite a lot of interest in the property and are confident someone will move in before Christmas.

“There have been people inquiring from restaurants and other retailers as well.

“We have had one firm offer and another proposed.

“It is a lovely old building which sits very well in the High Street.”