A CAMPAIGN to stop McDonald's plan for a new city restaurant has been given momentum with the launch of a new petition.

The fast food chain has submitted plans to Worcester City Council for a new drive-thru, takeaway restaurant at the former Harvester pub in Droitwich Road.

Earlier this week the Worcester News reported that Kate Brunt, head of The River's Trust behind the new North Worcester Primary that will be a few minutes walk away from the site when it opens in September, had added her voice to the growing campaign against the plans saying the impact on their pupils "should not be ignored".

READ MORE: 'It seems wholly inappropriate': School trust's head latest to speak out

Now James Stanley, the ward councillor for the area has launched the petition called 'Stop McDonald's at Perdiswell Harvester', which in its first 24 hours has already received hundreds of signatures.

The petition lists the new school, additional litter and that it will attract anti-sociable behaviour to the area as reasons against the Perdiswell House scheme.

Cllr Stanley said: "A significant number of people have already expressed their objections to this development.

"I am not opposed to businesses moving in to the area and bringing jobs.

"But McDonald's is inappropriate for this site, for various reasons. There is also the issue of congestion that can build up and in the shadows the issue that, I would assume, McDonald's would look at 24 hour opening.

"We want people to sign the petition, and submit their views in the consultation."

Andy Stafford, who is also a Claines councillor, added: "This is a very bad location for a McDonald's - we should not have fast food restaurants outside our schools and youth centres."

In its planning application McDonald's says the design and layout of the site, and its location, are "appropriate" and highlights it would create 65 new jobs and new investment to the area.

Residents have until July 9 to have their say in the consultation on the council's website, while the petition can be found on the change.org website.