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150 in protest march against Fishponds McDonald's

Around 150 people gathered in the Fishponds area of Bristol this morning to protest against plans for a two-storey McDonald's restaurant there.

Protesters on the proposed site. Credit: ITV West Country/Caron Bell

The 160-seater, drive-thru restaurant on the site of the old Tile Workshop would necessitate a new traffic island and traffic flow system on Fishponds Road.

The fast-food chain, which already has eleven restaurants in Bristol, first proposed the Fishponds plan in November 2014. It sparked angry campaigning from residents worried about traffic congestion, architectural disruption and the effect on the health of local children, many of whom would be walking past the McDonald's to and from school.

The NoMacInF campaign has been running for over two years. Credit: ITV West Country/Caron Bell

'We firmly believe we can have a positive impact in this area including through the creation of 65 full time and part time jobs for local people. This is in addition to more than 450 employees already employed across the city. We pride ourselves on the positive contributions we make in communities across the UK.'

– McDonald's spokesperson
Residents of all ages took part in today's march. Credit: ITV West Country/Caron Bell

Bristol City Council rejected the Fishponds McDonald's application in February 2015 on the grounds of traffic disruption and the site's proximity to schools. But the company is appealing - the public hearing will begin at City Hall on 20 April: protesters plan to attend.

These residents are worried about traffic and the effect on children. Credit: ITV West Country/Caron Bell