Decision to reopen six McDonald’s in Peterborough sparks backlash
Peterborough was the envy of McDonald's fans across the UK after the fast food chain announced six of the 39 drive-thru lane locations reopening across the UK and Ireland were in the city.
McDonald's announced earlier in the week that the locations would open as they continue to "test" their plans, adding that it aimed to reopen all drive-thrus by early June.
That did not stop people on social media complaining none had been opened locally to them, while others turned their attention to Peterborough.
"I was very surprised to see six on the list for sure, and yes I would say it's over the top, especially as bigger cities haven't had any reopen," Callum McAdie, 21, from Peterborough, told the PA news agency.
"But Peterborough is well linked for transport and may (be) useful for other key workers on the roads."
Mr McAdie, a key worker, visited one location on Wednesday, and said that while it was busy "everyone was civil and obeyed the staff directing the cars".
We are reopening 39 Drive Thru lanes across the UK and ROI. These Drive Thru pilot restaurants were all chosen as they are close to one of our distribution centres as we continue to prepare our supply chain for reopening. pic.twitter.com/HqvctFo63k
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) May 20, 2020
Joe McNamara, 19, from nearby March, said that while six in the city was "excessive" they were spread around the outskirts.
"I'm happy that some have reopened but I think six is a bit excessive," he told PA. "Don't get me wrong I love a Maccies, but six in a small city area is a bit too much.
"But if people actually looked into it they'd see that they are not actually all in Peterborough but on the outskirts as well."
And there plenty other people on Twitter having their say.
How can they justify SIX opening in Peterborough and none in Wales, Scotland, or north England??? Ronald McDonald's a Tory https://t.co/lqFqXTsrSH
— jenny from the block (@jennycerris) May 20, 2020
Coronavirus: Why has Peterborough had six McDonald's locations reopen when the North has none?https://t.co/ta4RxlIvex
— Metro Radio News (@MetroRadioNews) May 22, 2020
Peterborough trending due to outrage from a lot of the UK that we have 6 McDonald's opening 😂😂What a city!
— Conor (@clarkbatfan) May 20, 2020
A McDonald's spokesman said: "We're taking our time to reopen in a way helps everyone stay safe including our suppliers. This means the first 44 pilot restaurants are close to one of our distribution centres as we prepare our supply chain for reopening.
"We are working hard to expand our restaurant reopenings to all Drive-Thrus across the UK and Ireland by early June."
