MP backs new drive-thru, others are less convinced

The prospect of a fourth McDonald’s in the town has sparked a mixed reaction, with many residents raising concerns over the impact on the already congested Chart Road.

On the Kentish Express Facebook page, April

Hall said: “As if that roundabout wasn’t a nightmare enough as it is... what is wrong with leaving small patches of land like that to wildlife?

“I for one hope it will be rejected; put it somewhere else... or back in the Designer Outlet where it was before.”

Jason Gilham agreed, saying: “I thought they were making that road wider due to the amount of traffic it can’t handle - so why add something to make the traffic worse?”

Julia Holloway said: “I can’t see what the attraction is of all these fast food outlets. For the price of a Big Mac meal I can buy a chicken and feed a family of four. Anybody who says fast food is cheap is just lazy.”

Ashford MP Damian Green, pictured, says he

“absolutely hopes there are appropriate traffic measures put in place so that people aren’t queuing up the road”.

He added: “I rather admire McDonald’s as a company, particularly the way they train people and provide employment opportunities.

“They get a lot of unnecessary stick - I’m happy for anyone to have a business that employs people in Ashford.

“I think people who get sniffy about McDonald’s should think again - they are great at training young people and having another business wanting to open at this time should be commended.”