Residents fight McDonald's plans to build near schools

Plans to build a new fast food restaurant in York near five schools have led to a petition against it by parents.

Residents in the Fulford Road area have voiced concerns about the impact on traffic, potential anti-social behaviour, and worries about children's diet.

Last week City of York Council said it would ban adverts for unhealthy food on authority-owned bus shelters and billboards.

McDonald's said it would work with the council and local residents to address any concerns.

More than 600 people have signed the petition started by Joe Redshaw, 49, whose two sons attend primary school nearby.

He said: "There are five schools within a half mile walk from here; two within a hundred metres, and this goes against the council’s own rules about allowing fast food stores next to school buildings."

"It’s not good for the anti-social behaviour around the area. It won’t be good for people taking their kids to and from school. It’s not good for the kids’ health."

The proposed site for the new take-away is a former Iceland supermarket on Fulford Road, which is a major route into the centre of York.

"The traffic is a huge issue. Fulford Road is already completely overloaded at commuter times and during the busy seasonal periods it’s completely gridlocked."

A week ago, councillors agreed to ban the promotion of high fat, sugar and salt foods on council billboards and bus shelters, which Mr Redshaw said was "a little hypocritical."

He said: "If they’re going to ban fast food advertising on billboards on a bus stop right outside this building, I think they also need to prevent this building from being a fast food store."

Another person who had signed the petition, Susana Morvan, wrote: "I teach nearby and object to the easy access to ultra processed fast food for the children of the several schools in easy walking distance at lunchtime."

She added: "I know from experience [this] will directly impact their classroom attention and learning outcomes. Our local children deserve better."

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in York and look forward to working with the council and local residents to address any concerns."

The plans were submitted to the local council at the start of the month and are currently at consultation stage.

City of York Council said it couldn't comment on ongoing planning applications.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].