TRADERS and residents will take on fast food giant McDonald's by staging a public protest.

McDonald's wants to build the drive-through restaurant on the council car park in Higher Market Street, Farnworth.

Councillors will go on a site visit next month ahead of a planning meeting to decide the application and campaigners will be waiting for them to show the strength of their opposition.

They are also sending two petitions to the planning department, councillors and MPs -- one with 261 signatures and another with 159 plus 66 protest letter.

Mark Cunningham, who lives in Church Road, said: "We want people from Farnworth to get behind us and take part in the protest to let councillors know how we feel.

"We are determined to do everything we can to stop this plan. We don't object to McDonald's in principle, but the location is all wrong."

Pauline Sherwood, who owns the Butty Box opposite the car park, ran one of the petitions which was put in eight shops in Farnworth.

She said: "We have been really pleased by the level of support we're getting in Farnworth both from traders, customers and residents.

"I haven't spoken to anyone who thinks it's a good idea. That car park is a lifeline to our businesses and the road can't cope with the traffic this restaurant would create."

McDonald's has offered to meet residents to discuss their concerns and the campaigners are hoping to arrange a meeting later next month.

A council spokesman said: "We will consider the petitions and letters just as we would as part of the consultation process for any application."