I WOULD like to respond to the many letters that have been printed in the press over the last few weeks concerning the new McDonald's at Windle Island.

I am in favour of the new restaurant. Why? I hear you cry. McDonald's will employ 15 to 25 local people from the town, the majority being local young people, to help 'keep them off the streets' as people have called it.

It will also be a nice place to stop off for a tea on the way home from work or a trip.

I know Windle Island is busy and the residents are living right next door to a busy junction. However, I feel the council should be to blame for not improving the problem of traffic congestion, not the fast-food chain itself.

I am sure McDonald's will create the safest restaurant facility and its planners will take into consideration the concerns highlighted by residends -- waste paper bins, adequate car parking, trees/shrubs to screen the restaurant from the crem, etc.

Finally, everyone doesn't seem to know that plans for this site have already been passed -- two years ago. It is far too late for people to kick up a fuss now. I know I will be looking forward to my Happy Meal when it opens.

ECCLESTON resident (name and address supplied).