This week, it was announced a new KFC would open in Blackburn town centre and, for once, I am not particularly excited.

However, I am glad it will be halal.

Before some of you flick over the page in disgust at the mere mention of that blasted word hear me out.

The fact of the matter is KFC are not too bothered about what they serve and how they serve it. They are simply making a business decision.

I did mention quite a number of years ago that at least one McDonald’s and one Burger King should be halal.

Not because I think there should be an ‘Islamification’ (what a great word that is!) of this green and pleasant land, but I feel it just makes business sense.

Look at the Burger King near the Asda in Blackburn – it is empty. When I drive past I never see more than five customers in there at any one time.

Both Burger King and McDonald’s have missed a trick here and it will show in a few years.

Pizza Hut is another one which should follow suit.

You want more punters - then halal is the way forward because some of my fellow Muslims can’t get enough of that greasy, calorie-filled junk. I kid. We like it as much as the next person.

The food does not taste any different and on the whole most people couldn’t care less. Unhealthy junk food will kill you just as fast as the non-halal version.

In terms of KFC and some of the bigger brands, the food has to stick to rigorous animal welfare regulations. So, the idea that it is halal isn’t really making a huge difference.

If anything, we should be up in arms over the fact there are far too many fast food outlets around.

And councils seem happy for more to open while paying lip service to the obesity timebomb.

I am not saying everything should be halal, but I do think that if a restaurant wants to be successful in some areas they would be stupid not to make it halal.

The halal market is booming.

I have to admit I do like to go places where the food is not halal so I can taste the alternative dishes on the menu.

There is nothing finer than leek and potato soup followed by a large haddock, mushy peas with proper thick chips served in a pub.

Next to a roaring fire if I can find it.