March couple leading campaign against proposed takeaway next door to their home

Objection to proposed takeaway in Dartford road March. (Image: Archant)

Alan and Maureen Pugh, of Dartford Road, March, are attempting to convince Fenland District Council not to allow the empty shop within metres of their home to be converted into a takeaway.

Objection to proposed takeaway in Dartford road March. (Image: Archant)

They say the takeaway will cause traffic problems, litter and late night disturbances.

Mr Pugh, 67, said: “There have already been many accidents in this vicinity and this situation can only be exacerbated by people parking illegally as already happens on the Wisbech Road pedestrian crossing.

“A hot food takeaway with no parking facilities and no forecourt will only lead to more traffic and parking problems. “There is also the additional problem of pavement access as people will be queuing for food and young women pushing their young children and disabled persons could have problems due to the pavement being obstructed.

“As this type of business normally has late and seven days a week opening this will cause more disturbance to people living in the locality.”

The Pughs concerns are echoed by several other businesses.

Emily Butcher, who lives in and runs the hairdressers next door to the empty shop, plans to write to the council to object to the takeaway.

She said: “I live upstairs and the thing that worries me more than anything is the opening hours.

“It will be open late at night and you may get drunks gathering outside and making noise.

“I might not have bought this shop if the takeaway had already been next door. It’s going to devalue my business and the homes opposite.”

Selby & Taylor, the opticians next door to the hair salon, also intend to complain formally to the council before the April 11 deadline for objections.