A ONCE loved Austrian restaurant which closed after a string of hygiene failures has been put on the market for £1million.

The future of the Old Vienna, in Eastwood Road, Leigh, now hangs in the balance- with locals hoping it will be bought back to life as another eatery.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, said more than 15 potential buyers have already viewed the building.

He said the Old Vienna, which opened in 1971, is most likely to be transformed into another restaurant or housing.

He said: “Since the Old Vienna closed and became available on the market there has been a great deal of interest and it has already had over 15 viewers.

“Generally, the interest has been from both restaurateurs and also developers considering the site for a residential development, subject to planning consent.

“From our discussions with owner Walter Haiser, it would be his preference to sell to someone in the restaurant and catering business so that the Old Vienna can have a future as a popular local dining venue.”

Carole Mulroney, a Lib Dem councillor for Leigh, said she hopes the large venue will be restored to its former glory.

She said: “It has always been a popular venue, up until its recent problems. It is a large venue and let’s hope it comes back.

“It would be nice to see it restored and refurbished so that it can get back to serving the people in the surrounding areas.”

Mr Haiser was recently slapped with a £60,000 for ignoring hygiene rules.

Officers carrying out routine inspections found multiple failings, including flies sitting on uncovered mince pies and cooked duck being left out all afternoon.

Mother-of-four Jane Dolby, from Leigh, said she would like to see a family friendly venue, such as a pub which serves food, take over the site.

She said: “I would really love to have a family friendly place with a beer garden.

“Leigh is supposed to be very family orientated but there is absolutely nowhere you can go with children to sit outside and have a little space.

“You could go to Old Leigh but then you have to be extra careful that children don’t run into the road. You see places along Leigh Road with the children red faced, strapped into pushchairs while their parents enjoy a drink.

“A restaurant or pub with outside space would be ideal. Also, it would be quite nice to have something a bit different, not another Italian.”

Angela Davis, who has lived in Leigh for most of her life and was a regular Old Vienna customer, said she is excited to see what will replace the Austrian restaurant.

The 39-year-old said: “I used to love going to the Old Vienna, the live music was always great.

“I hadn’t gone in a good while so I don’t know what it was like in the end but i do hope that whoever buys it makes sure it stays a restaurant.”

Restaurant owner Mr Haiser, confirmed the building was up for sale but declined to comment when he was approached by the Echo.