RUMOURS that a former American diner had been taken over by the university have been quashed.

A spokeswoman for the University of Worcester said the former Detroit's restaurant had not been sold to the university.

Detroit's in Castle Street closed its doors for a final time on Saturday (May 21) after five years operating in the city.

A message on the restaurant's website said the management had taken the decision not to renew the lease.

Rumours had swirled that the university had bought the former car showroom, particularly as it is currently renovating the neighbouring building, which was previously County Furnishings, into a teaching facility.

The illuminated Detroit's sign and the 1950s-style fixtures and fittings have already been stripped from the building.

News of the restaurant's closure has been met with a mixed response on the Worcester News Facebook page.

The message on the restaurants website said: "After taking the decision not to renew our lease as of Saturday, May 21, 2016, Detroit's is now closed down.

"We'd like to thank the hundreds of thousands of you that enjoyed our over-the-top, American experience.

"The biggest thank-you ever goes out to the staff and management that worked so hard over our five year journey.

"Take care, goodbye."