Burger crazy Woolwich residents call for new McDonald's (From News Shopper)
Get involved: Send pictures, video, news and views - text NEWS SHOPPER to 80360 or email us
Burger crazy Woolwich residents call for new McDonald's
11:20am Saturday 9th June 2012 in News By Mark Chandler
How the new McDonald's might look
HORDES of Big Mac munching Woolwich burger lovers have signed a supersize petition showing their support for a planned new McDonald's.
The American burger behemoth has found 1,123 fast food fans willing to put down their chicken nuggets and add their signatures to demand a new outlet in Woolwich Church Street.
We're used to seeing campaigns against the idea of new chain store but it seems milkshake-swigging south east Londoners are lovin' it. So far, the number of people signed up greatly outnumbers the 51 others who have written in and objected to the chain's application.
The plans, submitted to Greenwich Council back in January would see a new 454sqm freestanding restaurant with drive thru facilities at the junction with Ruston Road.
Woolwich has been a trailblazer for the franchise, with Powis Street being the first UK's first ever branch, opening in 1974. Back then, a Big Mac cost just 18p and the future impact of fast food on the nation's waistline was unknown.
Taimoor Sheikh is the franchisee of two McDonald’s in the area including Powis Street branch, where the petition was started.
He said: "I’m delighted that the proposed restaurant on Church Street has received so much support from local people. McDonald’s has a long-standing relationship with Woolwich and I am sure this will continue if the new restaurant is approved.
"The restaurant would bring around 75 new jobs to Woolwich and all of the staff would have access to our qualifications and training programmes such as our apprenticeship programme as well as a range of maths, English and business qualifications."
No date has yet been set for a decision on the application.
Comments(46)
madras
says...
12:44pm Sat 9 Jun 12
Jeeepsie Joe
says...
1:30pm Sat 9 Jun 12
nothappy263
says...
2:04pm Sat 9 Jun 12
Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy.
Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.
cm punk
says...
2:17pm Sat 9 Jun 12
nothappy263 wrote:A better idea is not to have 3 McDonald's in one place. Now shut up
its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way.
Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy.
Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.
ivesma
says...
6:11am Sun 10 Jun 12
the wall
says...
11:32am Mon 11 Jun 12
nothappy263 wrote:Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise.
its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.
A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise.
So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
NastyMrToms
says...
12:40pm Mon 11 Jun 12
Observantagent
says...
1:58pm Mon 11 Jun 12
nothappy263
says...
2:18pm Mon 11 Jun 12
nothappy263
says...
2:33pm Mon 11 Jun 12
Great - where is the planning permission and funding?
No where. Because no one could be bothered to do anything about the space but in uproar about it now that MacDonald has put plans in.
the wall
says...
4:35pm Mon 11 Jun 12
nothappy263 wrote:Not commenting on the other issues I raised then.
"A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise." Great - where is the planning permission and funding? No where. Because no one could be bothered to do anything about the space but in uproar about it now that MacDonald has put plans in.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a few of these free gym's around the borough.
I believed you said "come up with a better idea" I have and now you start going on about planning permission and funding. Well the funding is there Greenwich Council have a nice big pot of it. Now for planning permission, you don't always need it and I'm sure if you want to go to the planning authority they can help you out.
So how much will you make out of a MacFatties being built there?
Rev. Sue Scottley
says...
4:57pm Mon 11 Jun 12
tonedeaf dawn
says...
6:13pm Mon 11 Jun 12
fox998
says...
8:28pm Mon 11 Jun 12
Chrisbitz
says...
9:51am Tue 12 Jun 12
fox998 wrote:I see what you did there! You put a Dollar sign at the end of McDonald$! So pithy and clever! You should be a writer or a News Shopper "journalist"! :-)
1,123 votes for another macdonald$ was that a typo with fat fingers that should have said 123. People like eating plastic food out of plastic containers in their plastic homes.
bible scoffer
says...
10:14am Tue 12 Jun 12
the wall wrote:...ain't ya got a mirror 'wall' rofl!!
nothappy263 wrote: its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise. A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise. So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
ksc
says...
11:15am Tue 12 Jun 12
Outandabout
says...
1:00pm Tue 12 Jun 12
the wall
says...
2:14pm Tue 12 Jun 12
Outandabout wrote:You think Zizzy's is up market. LOL.
I don't like this 'them and us' labelling people because of where they live. There are many home owners on sizeable incomes in Woolwich and sadly many unemployed. I won't use McDonalds but plenty do. it's not my place to criticise them. If this get some kid off the dole and into a life of retail, maybe progressing into another company then good. I don't see Zizzy's or any other 'up market' eatery fighting over the land. If it opens and no one buys the stuff it will close. The land is unused and there have been no proposals for anything else, there is no competition and as far as LBG funding a park on fairly prime land, get real. There are so many cuts going on in prime services that diverting resources to a park JUST BECAUSE McDonalds are planning a new 'restaurant' is nuts and should rightly be condemned. It really is very simple, if, like me, you don't like McDonalds, don't eat there. I suspect many will which is why it is being proposed in the first place.
Any up market eatery can see by the local area that there is no point opening in that location.
You think Greenwich Council has no money. They are loaded and have a very large piggy bank, one of the largest in London.
nothappy263
says...
4:15pm Tue 12 Jun 12
the wall wrote:Well said 'Outandabout'.
nothappy263 wrote:Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise.
its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.
A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise.
So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
Not that is any of your business, no I am not related to that bloke and I wish I was making money out of Macdonalds. Would be better than what I earn now!
'the wall' - I just have an opinion, doesn't mean I am gaining anything just because its not the same as yours!
the wall
says...
4:50pm Tue 12 Jun 12
nothappy263 wrote:Get over yourself, and go see a doctor about your paranoia.
the wall wrote:Well said 'Outandabout'. Not that is any of your business, no I am not related to that bloke and I wish I was making money out of Macdonalds. Would be better than what I earn now! 'the wall' - I just have an opinion, doesn't mean I am gaining anything just because its not the same as yours!nothappy263 wrote: its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise. A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise. So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
You replied to me at 2:33pm Mon 11 Jun 12. I then replied back at 4:35pm Mon 11 Jun 12
Do try and keep up.
Really I don't give a hoot what happens I live far enough away to not smell the fat and have to live with the litter and extra traffic it will cause. Just don't think sticking a junk food outlet there is the answer.
People bang on about the jobs it will create. These are MacJobs and MacQualifications they mean nothing in the real world. Not even NVQ standard.
As 'Outandabout' said "If this get some kid off the dole and into a life of retail, maybe progressing into another company then good" That is looking at it with rose tinted specs. This is more like the truth 'get some kid off the dole on to minimum wage and into a life of retail hell with poor pay, poor benefits and little to no prospects. The dole looks a much easier ride than coming home at 1am smelling of fat and burgers. Stick a MacDonald's in a mine field and people with no taste will still go to it.
Flowergirl76
says...
7:08pm Tue 12 Jun 12
tonedeaf dawn wrote:Please enlighten me, how does working in McDonald's improve your education ????
I do not understand why all the negative response. The site is not being used, it's going to bring a further 75 jobs to the community! People will buy fast food either way. As Mr Sheikh has said, working in McDonald's can give you a lot more opportunity for forward your education while you work. I am all for improving especially in this recession.
Maths - pressing A few keys on a till ?
English - grunting at the customers ?
Oh please ! I've heard it all now !
Thank goodness we don't have one where I live !
tonedeaf dawn
says...
8:42pm Tue 12 Jun 12
Flowergirl76 wrote:Lol. Maybe you should read properly, the article says about Apprenticeship and gaining a English and Maths qualifications.
tonedeaf dawn wrote:Please enlighten me, how does working in McDonald's improve your education ????
I do not understand why all the negative response. The site is not being used, it's going to bring a further 75 jobs to the community! People will buy fast food either way. As Mr Sheikh has said, working in McDonald's can give you a lot more opportunity for forward your education while you work. I am all for improving especially in this recession.
Maths - pressing A few keys on a till ?
English - grunting at the customers ?
Oh please ! I've heard it all now !
Thank goodness we don't have one where I live !
You get a level 1 or level 2 in English and Maths also you get a Apprentice in Hospitality.
I think it's great that you are able to work and gain a qualification for free, while you work.
Flowergirl76
says...
11:19pm Tue 12 Jun 12
Jeeepsie Joe
says...
11:25am Wed 13 Jun 12
tonedeaf dawn wrote:Do we need anymore evidence about the dumbing down of society after that comment.
Flowergirl76 wrote:Lol. Maybe you should read properly, the article says about Apprenticeship and gaining a English and Maths qualifications.
tonedeaf dawn wrote:Please enlighten me, how does working in McDonald's improve your education ????
I do not understand why all the negative response. The site is not being used, it's going to bring a further 75 jobs to the community! People will buy fast food either way. As Mr Sheikh has said, working in McDonald's can give you a lot more opportunity for forward your education while you work. I am all for improving especially in this recession.
Maths - pressing A few keys on a till ?
English - grunting at the customers ?
Oh please ! I've heard it all now !
Thank goodness we don't have one where I live !
You get a level 1 or level 2 in English and Maths also you get a Apprentice in Hospitality.
I think it's great that you are able to work and gain a qualification for free, while you work.
tonedeaf dawn, the user name says it all.
somerandomguy
says...
12:21pm Wed 13 Jun 12
Flowergirl76
says...
12:36pm Wed 13 Jun 12
somerandomguy wrote:You are absolutely correct. However my comment was about gaining qualifications.
Always makes me laugh these anti fast food types. Just because someone eats a burger and chips now and then it doesn't mean they're going to keel over with a coronary. I wonder how many of these food Nazis A.Smoke. B. Drink alcohol or C. Both.
PaulErith
says...
12:46pm Wed 13 Jun 12
the wall wrote:When it comes down to it, it's simple economics - Demand and supply. Yes there may be a few people with nothing better to do but petition. However, you can bet that McDonalds have done their homework, and they're sure to make money out of this venture.
nothappy263 wrote: its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise. A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise. So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
If people don't like it, don't eat there.
Don't really agree either with the comments that people are fat just because they enjoy a McDonalds once in a while. Of course some are, but then some people who eat well are also overweight.
Shouldn't really judge otherwise should we shut every pub down because some people will get beer guts. If certain people on here had their way, we'd only have parks and gyms on our high street.
the wall
says...
1:30pm Wed 13 Jun 12
PaulErith wrote:Read it again Paula and note these words ' average customer'.
the wall wrote:When it comes down to it, it's simple economics - Demand and supply. Yes there may be a few people with nothing better to do but petition. However, you can bet that McDonalds have done their homework, and they're sure to make money out of this venture. If people don't like it, don't eat there. Don't really agree either with the comments that people are fat just because they enjoy a McDonalds once in a while. Of course some are, but then some people who eat well are also overweight. Shouldn't really judge otherwise should we shut every pub down because some people will get beer guts. If certain people on here had their way, we'd only have parks and gyms on our high street.nothappy263 wrote: its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise. A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise. So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
A beer gut is from lack of exercise and wrong diet not just from drinking beer.
This site is not on the high street so what you talking about. You have a few issues with where places are don't you.
A few weeks back you thought North Woolwich was in SE London
Rev. Sue Scottley
says...
2:12pm Wed 13 Jun 12
PaulErith
says...
3:45pm Wed 13 Jun 12
the wall wrote:Your powers of argument are superb. Changing someone's name in a derogatory way clearly makes you look very intelligent.
PaulErith wrote:Read it again Paula and note these words ' average customer'. A beer gut is from lack of exercise and wrong diet not just from drinking beer. This site is not on the high street so what you talking about. You have a few issues with where places are don't you. A few weeks back you thought North Woolwich was in SE Londonthe wall wrote:When it comes down to it, it's simple economics - Demand and supply. Yes there may be a few people with nothing better to do but petition. However, you can bet that McDonalds have done their homework, and they're sure to make money out of this venture. If people don't like it, don't eat there. Don't really agree either with the comments that people are fat just because they enjoy a McDonalds once in a while. Of course some are, but then some people who eat well are also overweight. Shouldn't really judge otherwise should we shut every pub down because some people will get beer guts. If certain people on here had their way, we'd only have parks and gyms on our high street.nothappy263 wrote: its a fast food restaurant on a busy carriage way. Just because people go to Macdonalds does not mean they are fat or unhealthy. Get over it, its planning permission for a piece of wasteland - come up with a better idea then complain.Really! Have you seen the state of their average customer. This so called restaurant will have a drive thru. So not really encouraging people to get out of their cars and par-take in some exercise. A better idea: Something that the whole community could enjoy or use. A free park gym and a play area for kids to climb and exercise. So how are you related to Taimoor Sheikh?
If you read a little more carefully, you'll see that I didn't say that this new proposed McDonalds was on the high street. In that particular statement, I was commenting as to how I see some people's perceived vision for the high street. It was merely an analogy. I could have said, "if some people had it their way then areas such as the junction with Ruston Road and other similar spaces……etc", but you have to say, it's easier to use 'high street', and it doesn't actually change the point (or opinion).
the wall
says...
4:25pm Wed 13 Jun 12
However I'm clad you clearly see that I'm very intelligent. Now listen to me.
'It was merely an analogy' - A very poor one.
Analogy : a similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison may be based. E.G Heart - Pump.
Have you found out where North Woolwich is yet?
PaulErith
says...
4:37pm Wed 13 Jun 12
the wall
says...
5:40pm Wed 13 Jun 12
PaulErith wrote:Wow. Were you standing behind me?
How funny. You are attempting to quote me on the meaning of words as if your grasp of the English language is in some way superior to mine. However, you had to look up the meaning of 'Analogy' before adding it to your comment.
Have you found out where North Woolwich is yet?”
Outandabout
says...
6:21pm Wed 13 Jun 12
the wall wrote:How many times must I read you saying 'get over yourself' to contributors. Jesus even a broken record has two sides. if I considered Zizzy's 'up market' I wouldn't have used the punctuation that I did. If you knew anything about quality food you would know location doesn't count. By way of example, have you see where Le Manior is located? Greenwich, like all Councils have reserves, no denying that. Purhaps you can join the park lobby.
Outandabout wrote: I don't like this 'them and us' labelling people because of where they live. There are many home owners on sizeable incomes in Woolwich and sadly many unemployed. I won't use McDonalds but plenty do. it's not my place to criticise them. If this get some kid off the dole and into a life of retail, maybe progressing into another company then good. I don't see Zizzy's or any other 'up market' eatery fighting over the land. If it opens and no one buys the stuff it will close. The land is unused and there have been no proposals for anything else, there is no competition and as far as LBG funding a park on fairly prime land, get real. There are so many cuts going on in prime services that diverting resources to a park JUST BECAUSE McDonalds are planning a new 'restaurant' is nuts and should rightly be condemned. It really is very simple, if, like me, you don't like McDonalds, don't eat there. I suspect many will which is why it is being proposed in the first place.You think Zizzy's is up market. LOL. Any up market eatery can see by the local area that there is no point opening in that location. You think Greenwich Council has no money. They are loaded and have a very large piggy bank, one of the largest in London.
the wall
says...
8:23pm Wed 13 Jun 12
Quality food I know. Having worked in the city for many years, having lunch/dinner with clients in The Ivy/Oxo Tower is second nature and a little boring. So I think you will find that location does count a lot it's part of the ambiance. Have you tried Refettorio it's very good, the summer black truffle menu has started and the sea bass, fresh chive and lemon dressing starter it a favorite of mine.
Do mean Le Manoir in Oxford?
ron.1952
says...
8:35pm Wed 13 Jun 12
Ron.
PaulErith
says...
8:38am Thu 14 Jun 12
the wall wrote:Not standing behind you, but it only takes a few seconds of investigation to prove that you had to look it up!
PaulErith wrote: How funny. You are attempting to quote me on the meaning of words as if your grasp of the English language is in some way superior to mine. However, you had to look up the meaning of 'Analogy' before adding it to your comment.Wow. Were you standing behind me? Have you found out where North Woolwich is yet?”
the wall
says...
9:40am Thu 14 Jun 12
PaulErith wrote:What really happen is I couldn't be bothered to type it all out so I C&P, it only takes a few seconds and as I'm not that fast at typing, that seemed the more intelligent idea. Still it's nice to know that you went to that effort to try catching me out.
the wall wrote:Not standing behind you, but it only takes a few seconds of investigation to prove that you had to look it up!PaulErith wrote: How funny. You are attempting to quote me on the meaning of words as if your grasp of the English language is in some way superior to mine. However, you had to look up the meaning of 'Analogy' before adding it to your comment.Wow. Were you standing behind me? Have you found out where North Woolwich is yet?”
Now do tell me where you think North Woolwich is?
SE London or East London.
PaulErith
says...
3:47pm Thu 14 Jun 12
Also, after "C&P" there should have been a full stop instead of a comma.
This really is basic stuff! :)
the wall
says...
4:27pm Thu 14 Jun 12
PaulErith wrote:Your so right, I should just go and kill myself. Is that the best you got?
It should have been "happened" by the way. It's called the past tense. Also, after "C&P" there should have been a full stop instead of a comma. This really is basic stuff! :)
Paula can you comprehend that I don't really care what you think, because if I did that would mean I hold you in a higher regard than myself.
I have told you this before. Please do pay attention and try to absorb this information.
Now do tell me where you think North Woolwich is?
SE London or East London.
This really is basic stuff!
fox998
says...
5:53pm Thu 14 Jun 12
MsChevious
says...
10:15am Fri 15 Jun 12
As for the Maccas issue, I think it's rank food and the negatives it brings to a community (litter especially) are pretty horrendous, but if people choose to eat crap then that's up to them. I would rather focus my efforts on trying to get McD's to raise animal welfare standards and invest in their local communities rather than getting rid altogether - if perhaps they fancied building a small park gym behind their grease pit then that would be grand!
Jeeepsie Joe
says...
11:37am Fri 15 Jun 12
NO NO NO, fer gawds sake NO. Can you imagine all those obese council tenants in trackies huffin and a puffin round a small park. The air quality around Woolwich is bad enough already without all that B O being pumped into the atmosphere.
Outandabout
says...
5:27pm Sun 24 Jun 12
the wall wrote:Either choice is dull, boring and unimaginative. What's next 'it isn't rocket science'. I'm not in this to name drop eateries or to log into restuarant sites to quote from their menu. There is only one Le Manior, in the back of beyond.
The saying is appropriate, would you prefer wind your neck in? I didn't realise there was a maximum number of usage. Quality food I know. Having worked in the city for many years, having lunch/dinner with clients in The Ivy/Oxo Tower is second nature and a little boring. So I think you will find that location does count a lot it's part of the ambiance. Have you tried Refettorio it's very good, the summer black truffle menu has started and the sea bass, fresh chive and lemon dressing starter it a favorite of mine. Do mean Le Manoir in Oxford?
cm punk says...
11:49am Sat 9 Jun 12