McDonald's is now in every county in England as Rutland opens first restaurant

Mayor says the move will stop the area ‘being left with old people’

McDonald's now has a restaurant in every county in England.

For decades Rutland in the East Midlands resisted the lure of the fast food chain, holding the title as the only county in England without the famous Golden Arches.

But on Wednesday, a branch finally opened in Oakham, meaning the area lost its status as only county in the country without one.

The proposals for the restaurant were approved in January despite more than 50 objections from local residents.

Among the complaints made to the local authority, one person wrote: “I'm proud Rutland is the only county not to have a McDonald's.”

Some also expressed concerns about the impact opening a McDonald's would have on smaller businesses in Oakham, while others claimed it would increase litter and undermine “the Rutland brand”.

However, the county’s mayor, David Romney, has welcomed the branch, stating that it will create more than 65 jobs in the community and prevent the area from becoming “left with old people”.

“At the end of the day do you want to keep Rutland as it was - it's a very quiet place, nothing happens, it's very well to do,” he told the Telegraph.

(PA)

“Or do you want to say to people we are open for business? We want to create jobs. We don't want the kids to all leave and then you are left with old people.”

Councillor Sally-Anne Wadsworth added that most people are pleased to see McDonald’s open in the area. “Feedback on Facebook has been very good. I haven’t seen any negativity recently,” she said.

Glyn Pashley, the franchisee running the store, said he is “delighted” to be opening the first McDonald’s restaurant in Rutland.

“We are delighted to be opening in Oakham, making this restaurant the first in Rutland, and we’re so looking forward to seeing our new and existing local customers at the restaurant,” Mr Pashley said.

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