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McDonald's open all night? Locals weren't lovin' it
PEOPLE power won the day after residents forced the world's largest restaurant chain into a U-turn on opening nearly 24 hours a day.
Many locals were angry when McDonald's announced it wanted to open almost round-the-clock in Havant.
Residents and Hampshire Friends of The Earth complained that it could fuel late-night rowdiness and litter problems in the town centre.
McDonald's wanted to open until 3am on a Friday and Saturday night – closing for only two hours in each 24-hour period.
The West Street restaurant currently opens at 5am and closes at 10pm every night.
But the fast food giant said it had listened to residents and had now withdrawn the application.
Ray Cobbett, co-ordinator for Hampshire Friends of the Earth, said: 'I think this is a victory.
'To be fair McDonald's have listened to people's concerns and have thought again. It's a good sign.
'If they are a listening organisation, that is half the battle. We hope they keep the present hours. People's primary concern is the litter and noise that may accompany any extension in the hours.'
Although the application to Havant Borough Council has been axed, the company said it still may consider applying to open until 1am.
Mr Cobbett added: 'It could be a partial victory.
'We will have to remain very vigilant on the situation.'
Steve Heywood, a spokesman for the eatery chain, said: 'McDonald's is committed to being a responsible neighbour and playing its part in the community in which it operates, which is why we've listened to local residents' concerns about our planning application to extend opening hours at our Havant restaurant.
'We have withdrawn our application to open until 3am but we are considering re-applying to open until 1am, which we believe is an appropriate compromise given that nearby pubs are open to this time.
'However, no final decision has yet been made and as always we are committed to listening and working in partnership with the community.
'Our door is always open and our restaurant business manager would welcome a meeting with any resident who has concerns.'
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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