REFA Tandoori in Melksham is toasting the expansion of its refurbished restaurant sited in the former Blockbuster store in Market Place.

Owner Gias Uddin thought it would be a good opportunity to expand his Indian and Bangladeshi eatery. The former DVD rental shop next door had been empty for nearly two years.

Last Thursday Melksham mayor Terri Welch officially opened the restaurant following its three-month refurbishment.

She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant that the people of the town are supporting an established business and this business has the courage to expand and it looks far far better than the old Blockbuster.”

The family-run restaurant, which has been in the town for 25 years, now has space for more than 80 diners.

Mr Uddin said customers have been positive about the improvements, which include relaxed seating and extra space for wedding receptions. He added: “Everyone likes it. We wanted to make it a better experience for customers by making it bigger.

“Melksham has an exciting future and is expanding with the new campus and we hope we will attract more people into the town.”