'Down With The Clown' parents to protest against planned McDonald's in Stirchley

Parents are to protest against McDonald's plans to open a branch in the heart of trendy Stirchley. Concerns have been mounting about the threat to independent restaurants and cafes, potential increase in litter, anti-social behaviour and traffic since the proposals were unveiled earlier this week.

Mums and dads are set to stage a 'Down With The Clown' protest on Tuesday -the same day as a public consultation by McDonald's at Stirchley Baths. The group, which has around 250 members, will be gathering on land opposite the British Oak Pub from 2pm to 6pm.

The fast food giant said, if approved, the drive-thru and restaurant would create 100 full and part-time jobs. Around £45,000 would also be generated in business rates every year, it said.

READ MORE: Stirchley McDonald's row as residents choose a side over fast food giant restaurant plan

A spokeswoman for the protest group said: "We have an incredible high street with so many independent businesses. Including a burger place called Burger Me Up and Original Patty Men. Along with many other restaurants and cafes.

"They will all suffer because of McDonald's and it wouldn't be long until they would have to close. Stirchley is an up-and-coming area everyone has loved for many years and we fear it will all be wiped out by a massive unwanted chain!

"Not to mention the traffic will become so much worse for everyone who lives in the area."

A two-week online consultation has been launched by McDonald's. It will run until November 26 with an in- person consultation between 2pm and 6pm on November 19 at Stirchley Baths.

Local people can have their say online at: https://mcdonaldsconsultation.co.uk/stirchley via the online feedback form. Residents can also contact McDonald’s Community Engagement team via feedback@consultation-online.co.uk or 0800 066 8942.

McDonald's has been contacted for comment regarding the protest.