A GIANT sign erected on Joseph Locke Way on Monday, February 17, confirms that Crediton McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru will open on Wednesday, February 26.

The sign reads: “Opening 26th February - We can’t wait to see you!”

On February 4 McDonald’s UK confirmed that the opening had been delayed.

It had been hoped to meet its proposed opening date of February 14, Valentine’s Day.

The restaurant chain announced that it was due to open towards the end of February but since then work has been moving apace with some intensive work by many contractors.

The site is just off Joseph Locke Way next to Mole Avon Country Stores.

Interior and exterior works have been taking place and the car park was among the latest works taking place.

Mid Devon District Council granted planning permission for the restaurant in September. Excavations began in October.

The McDonald’s sign on the side of the Crediton restaurant and drive-thru. AQ 4013
The McDonald’s sign on the side of the Crediton restaurant and drive-thru. AQ 4013 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Work began on the building on Monday, January 6.

More than 120 full and part-time jobs are expected to be created.

There will be seating for 76 people in the restaurant with 36 car parking spaces, including two accessible bays, two grill bays and four electric vehicle charging bays (of which one will be accessible). There will also be space to leave bicycles.

Mid Devon District Council put several conditions on the build when it approved the plans.

A total of £35,281 should be spent on traffic flow measures through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street in Crediton and two extra electric vehicle charging points.

A contribution of £15,000 will be invested in the town centre in the form of the shop front enhancement scheme.

A further £5,000 will allow Devon County Council to provide double-yellow lines and to secure land on the eastern side of Joseph Locke Way for a cycle path and footpath.