SIXTY residents turned out for a fiery meeting about unpermitted changes to a fastfood restaurant on a busy main road between Blackburn and Preston.

Organisers Maria and Andrew Morton clashed with South Ribble Borough Councillors Barry Yates and Peter Mullineaux, over the enlargment of the KFC in Preston New Road, Mellor Brook, to a drive-through.

Mrs Morton, whose house neighbours the fast food restaurant, said there was wide-spread anger in the community that KFC had built a larger-than-proposed extension, and the borough council hadn’t informed residents of the plans.

She also raised the issue of traffic on the road, and the potential for increased accidents if a drive-through is given retrospective planning permission.

She said: “There was a three-car accident not that long ago near the Windmill, and a man was killed by the garage. South Ribble don’t seem to take any notice. It all gets forgotten about.

“A report done in 2006 for BAE Systems said that traffic on the A677 - Preston New Road, was busier than the A59 and that there were a cluster of accidents after the 50mph zone, just before the KFC. Most of these were shunt accidents where someone has been trying to overtake.

“Having a drive-through there will only add to the problems.”

Coun Barrie Yates, who is vice chair of the planning committee on South Ribble Borough Council, gave residents a copy of plans showing the larger extension and drive-through will look if it is finished. The retrospective plans will be decided up on March 14.

Coun Peter Mullineaux said: “I’m not very happy at all that KFC has gone against the plans that were given permission. We expect plans to be adhered to.

“If, on March 14, the retrospective plans are refused, then the new building might have to be knocked down.

“We will take on KFC. We are not in the business of letting people get away with whatever they want.”

Mrs Morton has started a petition against the new plans, and is encouraging individuals to also submit their concerns by email or letter.