A PETITION against the opening of a McDonald's in Ulverston has almost reached its target.

McDonald's was granted planning permission last year to build a new drive-thru restaurant on the car park at Booths.

Bosses at the global burger chain revealed the Ulverston site is set to open before mid-2020 after they were given the green light by the South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee in June 2019.

The site, containing a restaurant and drive-thru, is expected to create at least 30 full time and 20 part time jobs.

In response to the plans, there were 157 letters of objection, plus 47 letters and a petition in support and SLDC planners had recommended approval.

Concerns from objectors were raised over the impact on local businesses, consequent environmental and health factors such as litter-dropping and obesity levels as well as the new site affecting traffic congestion on the nearby A590.

A petition set up at the time is now less than 70 signatures off its target of 1,000.

The petition states: "We don't need a McDonald's here.

"It will cause so much litter for the town, down the Coast road, all the car parks and especially the canal!

"Ulverston will become obese!

"We definitely don't want to be greeted by a horrible McDonald's sign when we arrive in Ulverston.

"I know it will create jobs but small independent businesses will suffer.

"Our town is a special market town and we want to keep it that way."

With just a few months before the planned opening date residents have been voicing their concerns about litter.

One on Twitter said: "We will be overflowing with rubbish and seagulls. Can not believe it is going to be allowed... really disappointing."

Another added: "All I know is it will be blot on the landscape of Ulverston."

Others pointed out that littering is caused by inconsiderate diners and not the company itself.

"That's a problem caused by people. Not McDonald's," one said.

Not really McDonald's fault that someone can’t seem to find a bin.

"It seems posh folk in Ulverston only want a market with a key stall and one person selling bread."