The owner of a Douglas restaurant has hit out at Pizza Hut for deterring customers from his business.

Giovanni Ferrara, owner of La Piazza restaurant in Douglas, has ’had enough’ of the ’scruffy’ appearance of Pizza Hut Delivery, which is in the same building as his restaurant.

Mr Ferrara said: ’The outside of Pizza Hut is absolutely disgusting.

’It’s always been a problem, from day one.

’In the last few years it’s become ridiculous and it is really, really scruffy looking.

’People who come off the boat, tourists or not, the first thing they see is the mess by my restaurant.

’We are struggling through. It is very frustrating.’

Mr Ferrara argued it ’wouldn’t cost that much to put things back to normal’.

He continued: ’I’ve seen plywood and broken glass, and they haven’t even given it a coat of paint in however many years they’ve been there.

’I’ve been in business for 40-odd years and it’s bad enough getting franchises coming to the Isle of Man taking our business but they could at least make the place look decent and not take away from my business.

’I’m thinking of putting a big notice up outside saying "I’m really sorry about the outside but upstairs is very nice".

’People will look at the outside and think "what a mess, I’m not going in".’

He explained that he has been fighting this since the Pizza Hut Delivery opened on the prom in 2013.

’I just feel like I’m against a wall. I really don’t know what to do any more,’ Mr Ferrara said.

Part of the problem, according to the owner, is that La Piazza is ’constantly’ associated with Pizza Hut.

He added: ’La Piazza is associated with Pizza Hut half the time so people are saying "can you fix this and can you fix that?" when it’s not my problem.’

Mr Ferrara said he had contacted various government bodies regarding the issue but he was told it was a civil matter.

Next to the building that houses both businesses are scaffolding works.

The owner continued: ’The building works next to us is probably why they camouflage themselves very well and it doesn’t look so bad because there’s mess everywhere anyway. I got a response from Pizza Hut saying "we are looking into it" but it’s been going on for years.

’All these excuses but they haven’t actually ever washed it, it’s filthy now.

’They obviously don’t care about the business, so I don’t know why they stay there.’

A Pizza Hut spokesperson said: ’Pizza Hut Delivery is committed to maintaining high standards in all our Huts.

’We’re aware of this issue and are working with the local authority and contractors to complete any necessary repairs as soon as possible so that we can ensure a positive experience for our customers and our communities.’