AN ULVERSTON councillor who feels the new McDonald's restaurant plan would be a "positive" boost for the town wants to hear other residents views.

Cllr Shirley-Anne Wilson said a lot of residents in Ulverston have contacted her saying the idea of the fast food giant opening a drive-thru on Booths car park would be a good idea.

Cllr Wilson said people need to see the positives in the application.

Planners said the move would see the potential creation of up to 85 full and part-time jobs for local people.

Cllr Wilson said: “A lot of people have got in touch with me and have expressed their views that McDonald’s coming to Ulverston is a great thing.

“The level of employment for local people is vital and if more than 80 jobs will be created by McDonald’s then it is very positive for the town.”

Residents who are against the idea have voiced their concern at the amount of litter the store could create.

Ulverston canal is behind the location for the proposed restaurant, but Mrs Wilson said McDonald’s are not to blame for littering.

She said: “There are issues surrounding litter but that is not McDonald’s fault, that is people who are not educated to put stuff in the bin and not on the floor.

“When Costa opened in March there was an outcry from some locals saying the rest of the coffee shops in the town would shut, but not one has closed.

“There is a lot of people who want a McDonald’s and their voices need to be heard.”

Central Ward Councillor Pauline Halfpenny said she is against the location for McDonald’s but does not mind the restaurant coming to Ulverston.

Mrs Halfpenny does not want the recycling centre at Booths car park to be replaced.

She said: “I don’t mind McDonald’s coming to Ulverston but I am totally against the current location.

“A lot of clothes are donated there and the recycling centre is popular with local residents. If they relocate I would not mind, but I am upset that the centre would be replaced with a fast food restaurant.”