Oswestry plans by fast food chains welcomed

Plans by fast food chain KFC and coffee giant Starbucks to open two 'drive-through' restaurants in Oswestry have been welcomed by town councillors.

They said they would provide a much needed jobs boost.

The global chains are looking to open premises at the Oswestry Gateway development site near the Mile End roundabout.

The move would create more than 60 jobs and the firms say the restaurants would be an opportunity to extend the facilities offered to passing traffic on the Oswestry A483/A5 bypass.

At last night's town council meeting, Councillor Bill Benyon welcomed the plans.

"These places employ in the main people under the age of 25 and we in Oswestry are desperately, desperately short of jobs for our young people," he said.

Councillor Martin Bennett said it was important that the design of the development was a quality one.

"This area was once designated as a prestigious, gateway site for Oswestry," he said.

However, there are some fears about the impact the two restaurants would have on town centre businesses.

Councillor Paul Milner said he feared the restaurants would draw visitors and customers away from the town centre.

Oswestry firm J Ross Developments, acting as the agent for Starbucks and KFC, said the proposals formed part of the second phase of development at the Oswestry Gateway site.

Shropshire Council hopes decide the plans by May 16.