A POPULAR fast food chain in Reading town centre has extended its reopening date after "significant" damage after nearby fire.

According to McDonald's website, its Friar Street branch was due to reopen on August 1 after a two-month refurbishment, but this has been extended to "the end of August".

The town centre store closed its doors on May 27, which coincided with businesses being forced to close after a devasting fire above CMart supermarket on May 26.

Residents have shared their confusion as to why surrounding businesses have reopened since the fire, but McDonald's remains closed. 

A spokesperson from McDonald's has confirmed that the store has "suffered significant water and smoke damage as a result of a fire".

"We're currently evaluating the extent of the damage and working on plans to get the restaurant back open by the end of August", the spokesperson added.

A total of 50 firefighters, 10 fire engines, one aerial compliance and one command vehicle were used to tackle the blaze above CMart on May 26.

Businesses were forced to evacuate the street and a cordon remained in place until about 3.30pm on May 27.

Union Street entrance onto Friar Street also remains closed at present, but most Union Street businesses are back open.