Concerns raised over litter following opening of new McDonald’s restaurant in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds

Concerns have been raised over a rise in litter following the opening of a new fast-food restaurant in Suffolk.

The new McDonald’s restaurant in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, opened its doors on Wednesday.

However, in less than a week since the opening, discarded cups and burger packaging has been spotted near Rougham Airfield about a mile down the road, as well as the surrounding area.

West Suffolk Cllr Birgitte Mager, who serves the Moreton Hall ward, said she has written to the police as well as planning authorities to see if there is anything that can be done to solve the issues.

She said: “It’s horrific. There’s no other word for it.

“The new McDonalds was something a lot of residents were concerned about — and this just proves those concerns were warranted.

“Moreton Hall is a beautiful place to live and this is just a clear sign of anti-social behaviour.

“This just isn’t the world we want to live in. Hopefully we will be able to nip this one in the bud.”

The 100-seater restaurant, just off junction 45 of the A14, has created around 120 full and part-time jobs and offers dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru and click and serve options 24 hours a day.

In June, McDonald’s shared how anti-littering efforts have been made around the country as it was the first restaurant company to introduce ‘litter patrols’ in 1982.

According to the fast-food giants, these patrols have become a standard practice in the UK, with employees going out three times a day to cover 150 metres around the restaurant to keep the local area clean and tidy.

Many UK restaurants also work within their communities to identify hotspots outside the restaurant’s area to expand clean-up efforts.

McDonald’s was approached for comment about the litter in Rougham.