Archive - Wednesday, 28 November 2001


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Traffic concerns delay McDonald's

MCDONALDS hopes of starting work on a drive-thru in Stroud have been dashed because of concerns over traffic congestion at Merrywalks.

Stroud District Council was expected to rule on the burger giant's planning application on Tuesday, December 11.

But now it is not likely to make a decision until January at the earliest but more likely in February, when reports on traffic are likely to be ready.

And with just one day to go in the Stroud News & Journal telephone and e-mail vote on whether News & Journal readers want to see McDonald's in town, there has been a further swing towards the "No's".

So far, 41 per cent of callers and internet surfers have voted "Yes" and 59 per cent have voted "No". Exactly 1,600 calls and e-mails have been registered.

Last week the "Yes" vote stood at 46 per cent and "No" at 54 per cent.

This week, SDC received two more letters of support, bringing the total to six. More than 100 letters and postcards of objection were received this week, taking the total to more than 900.

Barry Wyatt, SDC special projects officer explained why the development control committee will not be making a decision on McDonald's planning application before Christmas.

"Gloucestershire County Council requested a transport assessment, travel plan and safety audit," said Mr Wyatt. "They McDonald's have done some of it but not all of it.

"It's not a massive problem." Once they have been completed and inspected by GCC, SDC can continue with processing the application again.

In theory the development control committee could consider the application in January but owing to Christmas holidays, it is more likely to happen in February.

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 and average 10 per call. Lines close at midnight tonight (Wednesday, November 28)