By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

An alliance of neighbours is fighting to stop a McDonald's drive-through being allowed to open until 2am.

A planning application to extend the opening hours of the fast food giant's restaurant off the Purley Way in Waddon from Thursday to Saturday has been put in.

But 15 residents have rallied together and signed a petition against the proposal, as they fear an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The drive-through backs onto the gardens of residents on Waddon Park Avenue who often have McDonald's distinctive rubbish ending up on their property.

Stephen Reid, 46, who lives on the street, said: "The McDonald's car park is already a magnet for every boy racer in south London revving their engines and playing loud stereos, especially in the late evening, and these extended opening hours will only increase this problem.

"There is also a considerable litter problem which McDonald's refuses to take responsibility for, despite several requests."

Waddon councillor Simon Hoar plans to back the residents up when the application comes before Croydon Council's planning committee at the end of the month.

He said: "The problem with this is that the restaurant backs onto a residential area and it's an unnecessary burden.

"It will cause more noise pollution, rubbish and keep people up at night - McDonald's have really pushed it too far this time."

The neighbours argue that other nearby branches of the restaurant chain, which are not in residential areas, should be opened later instead of the Purley Way branch.

But a McDonald's spokesman said: "We want to serve our customers at the times that suit them in a world which, more and more, is lived outside of the nine-to-five routine.

"We take litter very seriously - that's why we conduct regular litter patrols.

"We apologise if our neighbours are not happy with our litter patrols, and we'd be happy to meet and discuss the routes and timings to ensure we are making as much effort as possible to play our part in tackling litter."