McDonald's in Donnington plans to extend its opening hours

The restaurant, off the Clock Tower roundabout, currently operates between 5am and 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 5am until 2am the following morning on Friday and Saturday.

But now the fast food chain has asked Telford & Wrekin Council to allow it to remain open at all times, saying that the increase is unlikely to cause problems.

A spokesman for McDonald's said: "Based on experiences of other restaurants within the group, the bulk of the custom during the late-night hours will be drawn from passing trade rather than drawing people into the area.

"On the basis that these vehicles will already be on the local highway network, the proposal will not result in an increase in traffic.

"Furthermore, a high proportion of customers who use the restaurant during night time hours are often taxis, shift workers, delivery vehicles and emergency service crews, none of whom are prone to causing anti-social behaviour or significant noise.

"In this regard, the proposed development is self-regulating and therefore the restaurant does not anticipate any unacceptable impact as a result of the extended hours."

The chain said the change in hours would allow it to "better meet the demand its established customer base".

The McDonald's at Forge Retail Park and Wrekin Retail Park are both already open 24/7, while a new branch of the burger chain is planned at Audley Avenue Retail Park in Newport.

A decision will be taken by Telford & Wrekin Council in the coming months.