Fast food 24 hours a day - residents outraged

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Date AddedSeptember 01, 2009 01:03:24 AM

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SCORES of angry residents turned up in force this week to protest against a fast food giant's plans for 24 hour opening on weekends.

About 50 people living around the Queensway area turned up to North Worle Local Action Team (LAT) meeting on Monday to voice their concerns about McDonalds' proposals.

Bosses at the village's fast food outlet, a franchise, want to open the drive-through and restaurant until 6am on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

But people living near the Queensway site say they are already at the end of their tethers with boy racers, noise and rubbish in the area and if the licence were granted it would escalate the problems.

One resident said: "If the licence is granted, the site will attract young boy racers, who will just go there to get their burgers after being down the pubs and clubs.

"They will just park up before racing around."

Other residents voiced their fears that the rubbish problem in the area could get worse if McDonalds opens longer hours, while another said eating 'junk food' should not be encouraged.

Councillor Edward Keating, who was at the meeting, added: "What we are concerned about is people speeding up and down Queensway.

"If the drive-through opens until 6am, will they still be going until then?"

LAT chairman Peter Hardaway said at Monday's meeting at Priory Community School that he will write to the council to object to the application on behalf of the group, along with individual residents.

He also added that he is prepared to speak at the licensing hearing on behalf of the group.

* Anyone who wants to comment on the application has until August 29 to send their comments to North Somerset Council licensing team, Warne Road depot, Warne Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3ND or licensing@n-somerset.gov.uk