CONSTRUCTION work has finally begun to build a fast food giant delayed for well over a year.

Ground was finally broken on Oubas Hill in Ulverston this week in the first step towards opening a McDonald's in the town.

Plans to open a McDonald’s in Ulverston have been in the works for over two years after a number of delays.

However, bosses have revealed the fast-food giant is pressing ahead with plans to open a new restaurant next to the Booth’s supermarket despite being in the face of an economic downturn.

McDonald’s chiefs had previously revealed the site would be set to open before mid-2020 after they were given the green light by South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee in June 2019.

Construction work on the restaurant was originally due to start in late 2019; however, work was put on hold. Builders and diggers were spotted on the site yesterday afternoon, marking the first step towards the restaurant doors swinging open later this year. The site, containing a restaurant and drive-thru, is expected to create at least 65 full and part-time jobs for local people

When the plans were first brought to SLDC, there were 157 letters of objection, plus 47 letters and a petition in support.

However, the planning committee still recommended the fast food giant for 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 McDonald’s Spokesperson said a number of measures were being put in place to prevent litter-dropping around the area.

She said: "To help combat litter, the restaurant team carries out at least three litter patrols a day, as do all of our restaurants across the UK. All of our restaurant crew members are trained in how to dispose of litter effectively and provided with a litter patrol route to follow which includes details of any potential litter hot spots. Large bins will also be located outside of our restaurant for customers to use to dispose of any litter."