‘We’re lovin’ it’ say campaigners after McDonald’s battle

CAMPAIGNERS in East Didsbury are claiming a ‘David and Goliath’ victory after beating off an attempt to open a McDonald’s.

The restaurant giant has scrapped plans for a drive-thru in the Tesco car park at Parrs Wood after objections from 1,200 residents.

Coun James Wilson said: “This is good news for East Didsbury and a great victory for a community campaign. The council has a policy of promoting healthy eating so putting a new McDonald’s a stone’s throw from Parrs Wood High School and Barlow High School would’ve been totally inappropriate.”

Fellow East Didsbury councillor Andrew Simcock added: “I’m delighted McDonald’s have backed down. This has proved that when communities pull together, they can take on big corporations and win.”

McDonald’s said they withdrew the application after comments from transport bosses and the council.

Manchester council planners had hours earlier recommended that the plans be turned down by councillors on health and highways grounds.

A Facebook campaign group named ‘East Didsbury Not Lovin’ It’ was set also up and protests held at the site, which was opposite the busy Parrs Wood entertainment complex.

There were also objections from four local Labour councillors, MP Jeff Smith, Didsbury Civic Society, Didsbury Traders Association, Didsbury Liberal Democrats and Withington Civic Society, as well as the complex. Parrs Wood High argued the move would breach the council’s own planning policies around new takeaways near schools, exacerbate traffic problems and cause ‘punctuality problems’ among its pupils. A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We were heartened by the local support we received for our proposals in East Didsbury. “However, following recent comments from Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council regarding the Parrs Wood Lane Gyratory we have taken the decision to withdraw the planning application.” Coun Andrew Simcock