Not lovin' it: McDonald's 'drive-thru' in south west London will attract thugs, say police

 
McDonalds
Anna Dubuis13 September 2013

Plans for a two-storey, “drive thru” McDonald’s have been given the thumbs down from police who fear it will bring a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Officers raised their concerns after the fast-food chain put forward proposals for a 2,800 square metre branch in Wallington, south west London.

A Met police spokesman said: “Regarding the planning application for a Drive-Thru McDonald’s restaurant, our Wallington South Safer Neighbourhoods Team has written to the council’s planning department to express our concerns that this could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, causing a nuisance and distress to many elderly and vulnerable residents and families who live nearby.”

The plan has also been shunned by local residents who have submitted a petition of 1,200 signatures to the council opposing it.

Jeremy Simpson, 53, said: “Most of the people living around this area are quite old and would never visit a McDonald’s. All this is going to do is attract jobs in souped-up cars hanging around blasting music out. Nobody wants it around here – even the police recognise it will cause massive problems for people living here.”

A spokesman for McDonalds, said this week: "The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and are always seek to have a positive relationship with local police.

"We have invited the safer neighbourhood team to meet with our local security officer to discuss any potential concerns they have about our proposed restaurant on Stafford road in Wallington."

The objection to the McDonald’s branch comes after police opposed an alcohol licence for a Twickenham outlet of coffee shop Harris & Hoole earlier this week on similar grounds.

The St Margarets Road branch of the chain, which is part owned by Tesco, was hoping to sell alcohol seven days a week from 11am to 10pm.

But police objected on the grounds it would “cause an increase in anti-social behaviour”, leading the coffee chain to withdraw its application.

However Harris & Hoole outlets in North Finchley in north London and Walton-on-Thames in Surrey have been granted a licence and will start selling alcohol soon.

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