The opening of a new KFC fast food drive-through on Canvey saw traffic grind to a halt as hungry residents queued for more than an hour to sample its wares.
The traffic-stopping moment came as the facility, in High Street, opened for business yesterday after more than three years and delays costing thousands of pounds.
Thirty-four full and part-time staff have been recruited locally to work at the restaurant. However, while residents have rushed to pick up their bargain buckets or popcorn chicken, councillors are worried traffic chaos similar to yesterday's could result in an accident.
Canvey councillor Ray Howard said: "While I am always pleased to see businesses opening up on Canvey and bringing with them jobs for local people, it is no secret that I and many other councillors had concerns about this development.
"My main concern was the fact that the exit from this drive-through is on to a one-way system on which there are a lot of level crossings.
"We don't want to see anyone hurt in an accident because of traffic in the area."
A spokesman for the franchisee who operates the Canvey KFC said: "We are pleased to have opened a new KFC drive-through on Canvey.
"We are hoping it will be a popular choice with locals."
Published Tuesday August 24, 2004
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