Wolverhampton's Don Salvo restaurant still up for sale

The future of Italian restaurant Don Salvo in Wolverhampton city centre was today uncertain after it emerged bosses had kept the property on the market, despite vowing to stay.

And estate agents Fleurets have reduced the asking price to £79,000 – almost half the original £150,000 price tag – after months without interest.

The news comes weeks after the Ferrante family, which have run the restaurant and predecessor Geppetto's for 22 years, saidd they had changed their minds about selling after discussions with council leaders.

Restaurateur Salvatore Ferrante claims there has been a lack of action over concerns about business.

"I have worked my socks off to keep this place up and on the front line of Wolverhampton nightlife," said Mr Ferrante, aged 52.

"We have made certain points but nothing seems to change.

"Darlington Street is full of empty shops and we cannot attract people into it.

"I would love to be here for another 20 years, and if business improves we will definitely stay. But it doesn't look likely."

He said he is planning to plough more money into a new frontage for the 130-seat restaurant to try and attract more diners in a last-ditch attempt to keep the restaurant going.

His sons James and Matthew have "taken a break" from the business to try and break into the London scene, he added.

Don Salvo opened in its current location in 2006, but the family announced they wanted to leave the city centre for a more "vibrant location" in November last year.

They blamed their decision on the city centre having no chain restaurants and a lack of recent investment. Mr Ferrante said anti-social behaviour and an increasing number of empty shops had made matters worse.

By Charlotte Cross