A new McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru will open its doors this week.

The branch of the fast food chain is at the site of the former David Copperfield Harvester in Broadstairs, next to KFC and Asda, and opposite St George's CofE Foundation School.

It will open at 11am on Wednesday and is run by franchisee Paul Crocker, who operates 18 McDonald's restaurants in the area, including the one in Margate Road, just over a mile away.

He says the new branch will create more than 100 jobs for the community.

"We’re all really excited to be opening a brand-new, family-focused McDonald’s restaurant on Westwood Road," he said.

"We’re looking forward to seeing our customers, new and old, enjoy the drive-thru, takeaway and delivery services.

"We’d also like to thank our customers in advance for their support and patience as we navigate and adapt to these different ways of working."

To help keep employees and customers safe during the pandemic, the restaurant will be opening with several measures in place including social distancing in the kitchens, Perspex screens at drive-thru windows and staff wearing protective equipment.

The restaurant will be operating with a smaller than normal team, who will have their temperatures taken at the start of every shift, and there will be a limited menu.

Drive-thru, takeaway and delivery services will remain open but dine-in areas are closed during the lockdown period.

Thanet councillors approved the new restaurant in May despite concerns over its proximity to a secondary school, the increase in traffic and concerns over litter.

Worries about possible issues with noise and air pollution were also raised.

Critics also questioned why there needed to be two McDonald's in such close proximity, with the Margate Road restaurant just 1.3 miles away.

Twelve letters of objection were received, including worries about anti-social behaviour and the smell of the fast food.

But the proposal was nodded through and work started soon after to demolish the former Harvester, which shut in April 2019.

Once the dine-in facility is open, table service will be available as well as self-service kiosks, plus the mobile app.

There will also be a family room and a children’s play area inside the restaurant.

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