Neighbours try to stop McDonald's drive through opening until 2am
By Nikki Jarvis
nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk
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NOT HAPPY: Neighbours don't want to see the McDonald's stay open until 2am
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."
51 Comments
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by No to McDonalds, Waddon
Monday, January 18 2010, 1:49PM
“To Arfur: interesting that Sangitta and McDonalds are both based in East Finchley - surely MUST be a coincidence!?!?! Maybe "Sangitta Tamir" is an anogram of "do you want to go large?"
Sangitta - don't comment on areas that don't affect you, even if you are a bona fide reader. I have spoken in person to Simon Hoar several times - he has never mentioned any such "research" - either give us the information, link or news report or please be quiet, you are adding nothing to this debate (perhaps that is your intent?).”
by Sangetta Tamir, East Finchley
Sunday, January 17 2010, 12:09AM
“No to McDonalds:
As you have asked me not to comment on planning issues, then I shall cease to do so.
I assume that the extensive research that councillor Simon Hoar has conducted will be presented, in an unbiased fashion, at the Croydon Council's planning committee.”
by Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher
Saturday, January 16 2010, 4:26PM
“"No to McDonald's" - apparently Sangetta hails from East Finchley, which just happens to be where the UK corporate headquarters of McDonald's is located. Funny that.”
by No to McDonalds, Waddon
Saturday, January 16 2010, 2:34PM
“To Sangetta: please don't comment on planning decisions that don't affect you, try to concentrate on East Finchley where you live. It makes me think that Arfur is right, do you work for McDonalds? Where is this link to Simon Hoar's research on Valley Park? Do remember also that the police park a patrol car there and Valley Park is not a residential area - maybe that prevents any trouble. I doubt the police will similarly site a patrol car on the Waddon site. Also Valley Park McDonalds is open to 4am Friday and Saturday; why do they need another site in a residential area?”
by ANNE, SELSDON
Saturday, January 16 2010, 12:59PM
“When I was single, I left work at 5 p.m. My husband leaves his office at 5 p.m. and is home by 5.40 p.m. We eat at 7 p.m. Tonight we have booked a table in a restaurant at 7 p.m. I was talking about people going to McDonalds at 11 p.m., not 9 p.m.”
by Peter, Wallington
Friday, January 15 2010, 1:21PM
“So Anne, you're saying that all restaurants should close their doors at 9pm, because eating after that time doesn't give the body time to digest the food properly and you will put on weight.
Also only single people should work after 5.30pm in order to give familys a chance to sit round the table and discuss their day.
May I ask, what planet do you live on?”
by ANNE, SELSDON
Friday, January 15 2010, 1:04PM
“In any case, eating that late at night is not good for you and staying up that late is not good for you either. Families should sit around a table to eat and learn how to talk to one another.”
by Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher
Friday, January 15 2010, 12:58PM
“Sangetta, why are you so interested in this development - are you a McDonald's lackey or someone with too much time on their hands?
It stands to reason that if this place stays open to 2am, customers will turn up and use it. As it is a "drive-thru", they will do so by car.
I live in Waddon and can hear the antics of these boy racers as they rev up and speed along the roads in my neighbourhood.
Encouraging them to do so at a time when most people are in their beds would, for the people living right next door to this outlet, make their lives hell.
I haven't seen Simon Hoare's research that you refer to - please copy it here or post up a link.”
by Anon, Anon
Friday, January 15 2010, 8:56AM
“Sangetta - Arfur likes to make things up on this site. He always argues his point with no facts to back him up.”
by Sangetta Tamir, East Finchley
Friday, January 15 2010, 7:57AM
“Arfur Towcrate:
Did the extension of opening hours of the Valley Park McDonalds result in an increase of antisocial behaviour? According to Simon Hoar's research it did not.
What brings you to these conclusions?”