The opening of a new McDonald's restaurant in Hadleigh has attracted controversy for some months.

Residents have mounted protests, furious at the restaurant's location in the High Street opposite a grade one listed building, the St James the Less Church.

However, hungry locals seemed to vote with their feet as they packed the restaurant on its opening night on Monday.

Packed on opening - the new McDonald's in High Street, Hadleigh Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Mother of two Michelle Dicker, of Hadleigh, said: "I like it and think it is a good thing for Hadleigh. It seems to be nice and clean and looks as if it will turn into a bit of a meeting place for local people.

"I think it's okay that they put it next to the church - well, it is the year 2002."

Michael Oxley, 53, an engineer from Hadleigh, said: "If you look at it in the context that it has replaced a dirty old garage that was a bit of an eyesore in itself, then I don't see any problems with the McDonald's.

"I can understand why some people may be upset at it being built directly opposite the church, though.

"It doesn't provide the best background for a wedding photograph."

One of the main customer bases for the McDonald's chain is children and other young people - and in Hadleigh they certainly seem to give it the fast food point the thumbs up.

Charlie Warren, 11, of Homestead Gardens, Hadleigh, said: "It's brilliant! Now I can just walk around the corner and get a milkshake."

Published Wednesday November 6, 2002

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