43BusinessMcDonald's

CONSTRUCTION work will start next week on the new McDonalds restaurant at Pembroke Dock.

Workmen will move onto the Morbaine site adjacent to the Tesco supermarket with a six-week completion deadline to meet.

The company will begin a staff recruitment drive in November, said McDonalds spokesman Donald Wright.

He anticipates that the drive-thru restaurant, the companys second in Pembrokeshire, will open in mid-December. We are very excited about extending our facilities in Pembrokeshire, says Mr Wright.

McDonalds opted for the Morbaine site after Pembrokeshire County Council planners refused to give it the go-ahead to locate at the Pembroke Borough Football Club opposite Tesco.

The council had been concerned that if the changing rooms were demolished and relocated, the playing area would fail to meet Sports Council for Wales standards.

There was also concern from residents about increased traffic levels, noise and headlight glare.

McDonalds is still actively looking for more sites across Pembrokeshire including Tenby and Milford Haven. Douglas Wright admits there are difficulties securing suitable sites. Our biggest disappointment is not getting a site in Tenby, I think we could do very well there, he says.

The company has previously made a direct plea to the public to suggest locations.