McDonald’s bosses say the opening of a town’s fourth outlet is still going ahead - despite contractors facing delays.

Groundworks on the controversial new outlet off A28 Chart Road, Ashford, began in November.

Workers were also seen cutting back vegetation while an excavator and materials were delivered to the plot as long ago as June last year.

But the development has failed to progress quickly, with McDonald’s missing its planned opening of this summer.

The burger chain said this week how it is "definitely still due to go ahead", although stopped short of explaining why work has been delayed and when the site could now open.

The fast-food branch, next to the 'tank roundabout' and former Volvo dealership, is due to join existing outlets in the high street, Eureka Park and Orbital Park.

Previously, the company said it was "excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Ashford, bringing about 100 jobs and significant investment to the local area".

The 24-hour drive-thru is also set to feature 136 seats inside and be accessed via Bridge Road.

Located just one mile from the Eureka Park branch, it will also have an outdoor play area.

As well as two disabled spots, there will be 53 parking spaces and 14 cycle bays.

Plans for the branch were given the green light in 2022 – despite concerns over increased traffic around the ‘tank roundabout’.

Some residents have labelled the decision to build on the plot as "total madness" due to existing congestion.

When asked whether the restaurant would add to the issue, the chain said last year: "At McDonald’s, we strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate.

"We look forward to working together with the local community and stakeholders to address any concerns they may have.”

Proposals for the unit were originally submitted in September 2020.

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Yet they were withdrawn four months later while further discussions were held with Kent County Council about the impact on the road network.

They were then resubmitted with two amendments.

These included making the roundabout entrance from Templer Way wider and moving a pedestrian crossing on Chart Road further down to improve traffic flow.

The revised scheme was then approved by Ashford Borough Council in February 2022.