CONCERNED residents are holding a public meeting tonight to discuss McDonald’s controversial new plans for the city.

McDonald’s have submitted plans to build a new drive-through restaurant in the former Field and Trek site on Hawkeswood Road, at the junction with Bitterne Road West, near Northam Bridge.

Following the announcement a group of angry residents met earlier this week to discuss their plan of action and campaign to get the restaurant plan thrown out.

They will now hold a public meeting at Bitterne Manor Community Centre in Vespasian Road tonight at 6pm.

Leading the charge is Andy Peterson, who said: “I am urging as many local organisations as possible to come along, including the environment, health, transport and residents who are concerned about the plans for a fast food restaurant.

“I am looking to get the message out there and make people aware of how we can get these plans thrown out.

“I want to make sure all these people know what all the separate issues might be, so they can make their mind up.”

Nearly 30 residents met on Monday, and brought issues forward including public health, anti-social behaviour, noise and smell disturbance and pollution.

This comes after the fast food chain aimed at opening a premises at a former council office site in Woolston last year.

The firm ditched the proposals in October after the planning committee rejected their plans.

The fast food chain then confirmed that they had found a “mysterious” new location for the restaurant.

Bitterne Park ward councillor Rob Harwood confirmed that he will be supporting the group all the way, and that he completely against the plans.

He confirmed that the group know that the building will have to be filled eventually, but that he would prefer it to be a similar nature to what it was when it was a Field and Trek.

The chain already has two restaurant in the city centre, as well as at Totton, Ower, Rownhams, Millbrook, Shirley, Swaythling, Hedge End and Eastleigh.