Residents have questioned whether Rickmansworth needs more fast food eateries as plans for a new McDonald’s divided opinion.
The global fast food chain has submitted an application to Three Rivers District Council to convert the former M&Co unit in the High Street, but some people were not sold on the idea.
Several said they felt the area already had enough fast food outlets, with one writing: “No we don't need this rubbish.”
If approved, it would be the chain's first branch in Rickmansworth, joining the KFC, Domino’s Pizza and Subway in the nearby Uxbridge Road.
One resident said they would rather see healthier options than "ultra processed food" at the High Street unit, while another wrote: “Come on, l want to see more vegan meals.”
- New McDonald's coming to town as plan submitted
- Greggs 'can't wait to welcome fans' to Rickmansworth shop
But not everyone was against the plans, as someone said it “might bring a bit of life back to the town”, while another added: “The teens would have a great place to ‘hang out’. It's better than another closed shop.”
McDonald's would replace the M&Co clothes shop, which shut on April 21 last year when the fashion chain entered administration. The unit has sat vacant since.
Conservative councillor Lisa Hudson declined to say whether she was in favour of the plans but added: "The fact there's somebody who wants to take a large plot and bring a massive brand to Rickmansworth is very encouraging, but it is going to need to managed and enforced."
The Rickmansworth Town ward councillors are currently surveying residents' views and concerns had been raised over delivery drivers' bikes in the street as well as potentially littering, according to Cllr Hudson.
A spokesperson for McDonald's said: “We have submitted a planning application to open a new restaurant next year on a site that is currently vacant in Rickmansworth, bringing significant investment and up to 120 full and part-time jobs to the local area.
"We are working together with the local council to address any concerns.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel