THE letter headed 'Burger Snobbery?' (Dear Star, July 27) cannot go unchallenged because it contains all of the double standards and snobbery it accuses others of.

I live near to the proposed site which has contained a shop and off-licence for many years. Residents have experienced the usual problems of break-ins, litter, youths using the car park to meet etc., and are familiar with a retail premises in the vicinity.

The issue over the siting of McDonald's are clear and have already been well documented over the last two weeks. It is not surprising that Chris Alexander 'glosses' over the traffic problems, because as this letter is being written another motor cyclist has died in an accident at the unsafe access/exit to the BP site.

There have been more than 20 fatalities in the last decade and numerous other serious accidents at this location. The present traffic problems also disrupt emergency services attending incidents on the other side of the junction. Despite regular submissions to the parish and local council for many years, no action improving the junction has been taken.

It is a very sad state of affairs that the first designated change has resulted from BP's 'donation' of a strip of land to improve access. By coincidence, this happened just prior to their application to lease some of their site to McDonald's. Chris Alexander should note that speed restrictions are in place and it is the constant pressure of traffic during the day and at peak times which usually create the problems. Another issue raised seems to suggest that McDonald's is to double as a community centre/meeting place for young people, and is therefore a good idea. What a load of nonsense! Use of any private or commercial enterprises should never be viewed as an alternative to community needs. If McDonald's closed because of lack of trade would they donate the premises to the community? I think you know the answer.

Both issues raised are ultimately the responsibility of the council. They should have budgeted and planned over the years to improve the situation via highways and the youth and community service. Rather than blame residents in this area for their attitude, it may be more constructive and responsible to ask why council tax payers' money has not been allocated in the short or long term planning to long-standing problems.

The estimated use of the McDonald's site is up to 1,000 cars week days and up to 2,000 on Saturday and Sunday. The facility for all intense purposes, will be functioning nearly 24 hours per day, seven days per week. When this is taken into account with the present problems, accidents and deaths it is obvious that the problems will not only increase but the likelihood is, that with the clientele McDonald's attracts, it will be young people who will figure strongly in further statistics. If -- God forbid -- this application went ahead I hope Chris Alexander doesn't choke on his Big Mac when he reads about the accidents in the Star!

The real concerns of the residents have nothing whatsoever to do with double standards or snobbery (which seem to exist so strongly in Mr Alexander's mind) but rather the proposed first siting of any McDonald's in the UK directly next to a residential area, whichever that may be. At this stage and despite their mission statements professing care for the community, neither BP or McDonald's have consulted or contacted residents and those who will be affected.

There are many other issues which could be raised in this letter but I would ask all readers to reflect on the impact which would result on the appearance of the crematorium and the litter etc. over graves and cemetery gardens. This planning application will be fought at all stages on the basis of the issues and concerns and has nothing to do with double standards or snobbery.

J. N., Windle (name and address supplied).