McDonald's Mad: Helston residents respond to petition to bring fast-food giant to town

Last week, Nub News interviewed a Helston resident who had created a petition to campaign for McDonald's to be opened on Coinagehall Street.

The article, which incited a lot of discussions and mixed reception from residents, detailed how resident Tom Hughes thought McDonald's would "bring people into the town".

Due to hundreds of comments and shares amplifying the strong opinions of the happy meal giant coming to town, we wanted to create an article which presented some of the conflicting viewpoints.

A lot of the positive reception came mostly through the notion that opening a McDonald's on Coinagehall Street would be a good outlet for young people.

"I think it's a great idea, it also gives youngsters something to do," said one resident.

"Have you ever been to Truro McDonalds? College students are one of their best customers... funnily enough they sit there and don't cause trouble. Plenty of money spent considering they're usually the ones with one of the best disposable incomes," agreed another resident.

Many residents were firmly against the idea of McDonald's ever entering the area, feeling like it would take away from the local independents in town.

One resident said: "No thank you, we don't need a McDonald's in Helston. If you like that kind of food you have got Boo Koos a local company and the food is better. Keep our local businesses alive not the likes of these big companies."

Another resident exclaimed: "Noooo!!! We have Boo Koos. Can't think of anything worse."

A further point from those that didn't want McDonald's was the problem with McDonald's branded rubbish.

As seen in Falmouth and Truro recently, residents have been complaining due to the increase in litter since their McDonald's branches reopened.

"Suppose I'm biased cos I don't like McDonald's food and a history of not clearing rubbish away as per recent Falmouth complaints..however..have to admit they're still popular and might achieve that stated purpose...the obvious spot is the old TOFS shop...although, a Pizza Express or similar would be preferred by me," said one Helston resident.

"That will add to the litter burden," said another resident.

Many residents sparked discussion on the logistics of bringing a fast-food giant into the town.

A resident stated: "McDonald's won't open in a town unless they think it will be financially viable.

"We would need to make the town attractive and successful enough for them to want to open here before they would consider it."

Another resident said: "Everyone said the same thing about Wetherspoons."

Within the comments and shares, people put their own ideas forward for what they'd like to see in Helston.

"Now if we had a KFC that would be finger-licking good," said one resident.

Another resident said: "It's only a suggestion but I think a proper men's clothing store would help more to kick start shopping."

What do you think about the idea? Let us know by emailing [email protected]/[email protected]!