McDonalds has tough fight on its hands (From Stroud News and Journal)

McDonalds has tough fight on its hands

BURGER giant McDonalds has stepped up efforts to secure a foothold in Stroud.

The company's planning application for a restaurant in Merrywalks was turned down last year but now a revised plan is back on the table.

Stroud District Council have received an application for an 85-seater drive-through restaurant which is likely to be to considered at a meeting next month or in early December.

But the corporation will face stiff opposition from campaigners who believe the restaurant would damage local businesses, funnel cash away from the town and create litter problems and further congestion.

Concerned members of the public have formed an action group, Catalyst, to block the company.

"We're working on arguments against the plans, the technical planning arguments which will be required to stop the application," said the group's John Mayford.

"We'll also be mustering widespread community opposition to the work - we've got over 1,000 postcards printed up so people can send their views to the district council."

The Greens are backing the campaigners' fight to keep the corporation out of Stroud.

"People using a drive-through McDonalds will be less likely to stop and support Stroud businesses," said party spokesman Philip Booth.

"Stroud is wonderfully different from other towns with its wealth of specialist shops, distinctive farmers' market, art galleries and cafes," he added.

"This is something to celebrate rather than trying to be the same as others."

Robert Parker, corporate affairs manager for McDonalds, said he was happy to meet people and discuss their concerns.

He dismissed claims the restaurant would damage Stroud.

"We certainly don't think so, experience shows that the position of a McDonalds can actually attract businesses," he said.

"More and more people are eating out, the market is growing.

"And most people want variety - they might want fish and chips one night, a curry the next or they might want a McDonalds."

Litter would be regularly tidied and the restaurant would provide employment, he added.

For full story see this week's News & Journal.