THE battle between a town's vets and international burger giant McDonald's over a piece of land is hotting up.

Councillors are set to agree an outline plan by Stanley House Veterinary Surgery to build a new surgery on land in Crown Way, Colne, when they meet on Thursday.

McDonald's wants the same land for a drive-through restaurant, despite a campaign by residents and local councillors to take the scheme off the menu.

The restaurant was refused planning permission by Pendle Council but McDonald's has appealed against the authority for taking too long over its decision. A public inquiry will be held next year.

Residents back the vets plan which will include parking for horse trailers and pick up points for larger animals such as sheep and cattle.

Stanley House, which already has a surgery in Albert Road, Colne, wants to expand its services.

Nearby residents have backed the vets. They do not see them causing too much extra traffic at the nearby junction at Vivary Way, unlike the McDonald's plan.

The opposing schemes have sparked a war of words between Liberal and Labour rivals on the council.

McDonald's is prepared to pay twice as much as the vets for the council-owned land.

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