Dreading its arrival or good for new jobs - residents react to McDonald's police station plan
News that McDonald’s is looking to take over the former Brownhills Police Station has led to a mixed reaction from people on social media.
Brownhills Police Station was closed in 2014 as part of cost-cutting measures by the force and has since lain empty. It went on sale for £650,000 in January 2020.
McDonald’s has been actively consulting with residents about the scheme for weeks with concerns raised around noise and traffic.
When the plans were reported on Monday, March 29, it generated a range of comments on social media which saw support and opposition for the scheme.
Positive comments received included: “So glad that it won’t be lying empty, jobs, McDonald’s are meant to be good for local communities etc.
"But I’m dreading this because I have no self control and if I see it, I will want it. Also fearing my child will be screaming for Maccies every day if it's walking distance.”
One person posted: “Brilliant. Some new job opportunities for the area”
And another added: “Some people never pleased. Moan nothing good happens in Brownhills and when something is to try and make it better, they just moan.”
Some people welcomed the investment into the area but were not wholly satisfied with the proposal. They said: “Prefer a police station, but if it brings business investment and jobs to the area then so be it.
“Anything that brings jobs to Brownhills is to be encouraged. Although the High Street area is rapidly turning into a mass of junk food shops.”
Others, however, were less than impressed with the proposed McDonald’s, with one person posting: “Totally wrong place for McDonald’s with residential properties on three sides. People living close to it will be badly affected in so many ways.”
While another social media user said: “The building would be better put to use if they made it into flats or a few houses.”
Another added: “McDonald’s opened in Brownhills the old ‘Warreners’ pub in the early 2000s, that didn’t last long and was a drive through as well I thought it was great Maccies as a kid It’s been a car wash for a long time now! Why open another one at the top of Brownhills on one of the worst main roads? Surely it’s too small for a Maccies there.”
And there were one or two humorous reactions too including: “Probably see more police in there than when it was an actual police station!”
Planners are expected to make a decision on the proposal for a new McDonald’s Drive thru in June.
