Mixed views on McDonald's (From Stroud News and Journal)

Mixed views on McDonald's

AFTER two weeks of voting, the News & Journal can reveal that more than 1,000 readers are split fairly evenly on the thorny issue of whether they want to see a McDonalds fast food restaurant in Stroud.

The voting phone lines have been busy since they were set up by the SNJ two weeks ago in an effort to measure public opinion on proposals for a site at Merrywalks.

So far, 504 have called to say "Yes, I want McDonald's in Stroud" and 578 "No" calls have been registered.

And now voters can record their feelings online at www.thisisstroud.com too - so far 21 "Yes" votes and 30 "No" votes have been cast.

Telephone and internet votes total 525 (46 per cent) for "Yes" and 608 (54 per cent) for "No", which means with one week to go until lines close, even a small swing is likely to make a big difference.

Stroud District Council, which is expected to rule on the plans on Tuesday, December 11 has received four letters of support, 655 letters of objection, plus 149 standard postcards of objection.

To make your views known to the SNJ, call 0906 616 5141 for "Yes, I want McDonald's in Stroud" and to vote "No, I do not want McDonald's in Stroud" call 0906 616 5142. Alternatively log on to www.thisisstroud.com

Telephone calls cost 60p per minute but calls should last no longer than 20 seconds. Service provided by IMS plc, 15 Mark Lane, Leeds, LS1 8LB.