Our once-thriving area is turning into a ghost town – we don’t want big chains ruining our way of life
RESIDENTS of a once-thriving area say it has now become a ghost town with food chains ruining their lives.
Locals in Darlington, County Durham said council plans to build a new fast food restaurant have put them in "danger".
Neighbours are fuming after the council agreed to build the fourth McDonald's branch in Darlington.
The drive through is set to open on Faverdale Estate - but unimpressed locals say it will transform their town into a "deserted area".
Resident Doreen Morrow, 74, said: "The town centre is a shadow of its former self. So many shops have closed down and this will only exacerbate the problem.
"There's even less of a reason to visit. This latest McDonald's is not really needed."
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The branch will be added to the three McDonald's in the same area - located on North Road Industrial Estate, Yarm Road, and Newton Park on the outskirts of the town.
People claim the site suffers from traffic congestion and the fast food drive through will only make matters worse.
Ms Morrow added: "The main road is so busy as it is. This will make it worse for pedestrians, especially parents with young kids who don't drive.
Her husband, Barry Morrow, 73, added: “It can be chaos as it is and take ages to get out of our estate. This will only draw more people to the area."
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Other restaurant brands have already been built in the area, which is close to Brinkburn Nature Reserve.
Unimpressed neighbours claim the plans are "unnecessary" and the land should be used to improve their area.
Retired postman Stephen Eyles, 70 said: "I moved to this area when my children were small because of the amenities.
"I feel the land could be put to better use. When did they last build a school or a bank? Another McDonald's is not what's needed."
However some believe it could be positive for the community.
Factory worker Billy Hutchinson, 61, said: "Overall I am in favour of the McDonald's as it will create jobs.
"All we have in this village is takeaways and barbers."
Another resident, Tony Sage, 70, also weighted in saying: "There is no community centre here, and no community heart.
"The McDonald's should bring a bit of heart to the area and will be especially good for the teenagers and give them somewhere to go."
A McDonald's spokesperson told The Sun: “We are excited to be bringing a new restaurant to Darlington, bringing significant investment to the local area as well as creating at least 65 full and part time jobs."
This comes as other residents in Dagenham, East London said they have "had enough" of the borough as old hotspots have closed and "nothing changes".
Despite once being a bustling industrial area thanks to a Ford factory, it has now declined so much that people move as far away as America.
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Elsewhere, residents who live in the shadow of a major sports stadium say their once-thriving village is now more like a ghost town.
Thousands of tennis fans flock to the Wimbledon Championships every year but locals say the area is becoming too expensive for businesses to survive in.
