FAST FOOD giant McDonald's says it still plans to go ahead with its restaurant in Oswestry – but has not confirmed when work on the site will begin.

Plans for the new restaurant were approved by Shropshire Council's planners in January 2021 but the building – which is expected to be built on the former Smithfield livestock market site off Shrewsbury Road – has yet to appear.

The proposed restaurant would bring an employment boost to Oswestry, with an estimated 30 full time and 35 part time positions.

A spokesman from McDonald's said: "There is no update on the timescale for the completion of the restaurant.

"But plans remain the same."

MORE NEWS:

The plans for the fast-food eatery include a 100-seat restaurant and a drive-through, as well as a 45-space car park, with bicycle stands and a children's play area.

Concerns were raised by residents during the planning process about littering and the impact the arrival of the multinational chain could have on local takeaway businesses.

But Shropshire Council planning officers said they were satisfied with the company’s waste management schemes, and welcomed the 65 new job opportunities it would provide.