Wetherspoon has finally confirmed it has bought a former restaurant building in Beaconsfield - and is spending more than £2 million on overhauling it.

The pub chain had been rumoured to be opening a new watering hole in the old Prezzo building on Station Road in the New Town, but could not confirm if that was true or not when approached by the Bucks Free Press a few weeks ago.

Prezzo closed down earlier this year and has been empty ever since, but recently builders have been seen inside overhauling the building.

Locals had heard it was J D Wetherspoon that was the new owner - and that news has finally been confirmed to the Bucks Free Press today.

A spokesman said the pub company - founded and owned by Tim Martin - has purchased the old Prezzo and will be investing around £2.2 million on redeveloping it.

They will be employing up to 70 staff members.

The spokesman said there are no opening dates just yet and it hasn't yet been confirmed what the pub will be called.

There is already a Wetherspoon's in Beaconsfield - the Hope and Champion at the M40 Junction 2 service station.

Prezzo in Beaconsfield was one of 22 branches shut down across the country earlier this year when Cain International purchased the chain to secure its future.

The striking building used to house the Chiltern Cinema, but it closed in the 1980s shortly after a six-screen multiplex opened in Cressex, High Wycombe (now Empire).

Before it was Prezzo, it was Zoom Children's Adventure Funhouse but plans to turn it into a restaurant were given the go-ahead by the council in 2011.

We asked our readers if they would be happy with a Wetherspoon's opening up in Beaconsfield and most of them were in favour.

Chris Dadd wrote: "Wetherspoons offers a good range of ales instead of just continental lagers, are far more affordable and normally allow dogs and hikers. Their cooked breakfasts are super tasty. I think they would do well."

Amanda Hart said: "Always thought it would make a great indoor golf place (a bit of fun), but I can see it as a Spoons, why not. It will be the only actual pub in the new town."

Martin Nixon said it was "great news".

However, some thought it would be better for other uses. Huma Usmani said: "I and many others in Beaconsfield would be very concerned if the old Prezzo becomes a pub.

"We have girls that take the a school bus from outside Prezzo. We would not be comfortable with them being picked up and dropped outside a pub.

"This needs to be considered, Beaconsfield is a family area and it would be shame to take this away."

Lisa Gardner said it should be "turned back to a cinema".