Chain plans 24-hour opening

Fast-food chain McDonald's is bidding to open one of its restaurants in Shrewsbury around the clock.The move comes just days after the firm's restaurant in Pride Hill was granted permission to serve hot food until 5am each night.

Now McDonald's is seeking planning permission to open its branch in Battlefield Road 24 hours a day, instead of the 6am-midnight opening it is currently allowed.

An application has been submitted to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council seeking to amend the licence, but two objections from members of the public have already been received.

Concerns have been raised about youths bringing cans of beer and litter in the area, with fears the licence extension could make the problems worse.

In a report to the council, police state four incidents at the premises have been reported in the past year, relating to anti-social behaviour, theft or assault.

They state: "The proposal may attract more people to the area, but this could also have the advantage of providing more surveillance by the public of the general commercial area.

"Residential properties are less likely to be affected as they are some distance away."

In a report to members, council planning officers have said the proposal is "acceptable as the site is in a commercial area and on a main road, well separated from residential areas, and should not therefore create any significant problems in terms of noise or disturbance."

Ralph Parker, restaurant franchisee, said the application for 24-hour opening was in response to what customers wanted.

Mr Parker said staff would continue to monitor litter in the area throughout the night.

The application will be discussed by members of the council's development control and environmental protection committee on Tuesday.