McDonald's traffic in Burgess Hill is '˜chaos' say residents

Burger lovers have welcomed the major refurbishment of McDonald's in Burgess Hill '“ but residents said this week that demand was causing traffic '˜chaos'.
MP Sir Nicholas Soames at the grand opening. Picture: Red ConsultancyMP Sir Nicholas Soames at the grand opening. Picture: Red Consultancy
MP Sir Nicholas Soames at the grand opening. Picture: Red Consultancy

The fast food restaurant in Civic Way re-opened to the public on February 16, after closing for over a month for a £1.3million digital makeover.

MP Sir Nicholas Soames officially opened the restaurant and was given a tour.

Picture: Red ConsultancyPicture: Red Consultancy
Picture: Red Consultancy
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When we published a story on the new-look restaurant’s grand opening residents were quick to respond to the news on our Facebook page, criticising the traffic.

Resident Claire Thomson said traffic problems on the roundabout near to the restaurant had been ‘horrendous’.

“It is far worse than before the refurbishment – it has been absolute gridlock,” she added.

Srini Dokku said ‘something needed to be done with the traffic’ and added: “It is creating havoc and unnecessary wastage of fuel and time. Not sure how it got the approval.”

Refurbishment works being carried out at the restaurant. Picture: Steve RobardsRefurbishment works being carried out at the restaurant. Picture: Steve Robards
Refurbishment works being carried out at the restaurant. Picture: Steve Robards

The restaurant is owned by local franchisee Ismet Turen.

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The makeover has created an extra 20 jobs for the area, and the ‘major digital changes’ are hoped to ‘benefit everyone’, said a spokesman.

Mr Turen said: “We’re really pleased with our new look restaurant and the fantastic response we’ve had so far from customers and staff alike to the new digital kiosks and table service features.”

MP Sir Nicholas Soames added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of the restaurant and it was good to learn more about the work the franchisee and his staff do for the local community.”

Picture: Red ConsultancyPicture: Red Consultancy
Picture: Red Consultancy

Changes to the restaurant include new self-order kiosks and table service, designed to ‘take the stress out of somewhere to sit while carrying food’.

The Middy put the traffic concerns to McDonald’s, but had not received a reply at the time of going to press.