McDonalds has been approved to open in Leatherhead by Mole Valley Council.  The location is opposite Waitrose (9-17 Church St, in place of the old Furniture Store, Gentleman's Castle). Based on the issues the town has seen after KFC and Taco Bell opened, I urge residents of Leatherhead to sign this petition against the opening based on the follow concerns.

1. Health Concerns: McDonald's offers unhealthy food options that contribute to obesity and other health problems. Opening a McDonald's in Leatherhead will exacerbate these issues, especially among children in our town. 
2. Impact on Local Businesses: The arrival of a McDonald's will negatively impact existing local cafes and businesses. McDonald's will attract customers away from locally-owned establishments, leading to job losses and economic strain for the community.
3. Environmental Impact: McDonald's is known for its extensive use of single-use plastics and other environmentally harmful practices. Opening a McDonald's in Leatherhead will contribute to litter, pollution, and waste management challenges.  The odour of chip fat will be unbearable in the summer.  The area is already overflowing with KFC litter, this will be much worse.
4. Cultural Impact: Introducing a global fast-food chain like McDonald's will erode the unique cultural identity of Leatherhead. It will lead to the reduction of other dining options and diminish the sense of community that comes from supporting local businesses. How can we claim to be a Market Town with a McDonalds?  
5. Traffic and Congestion: McDonald's will attract a high volume of traffic, leading to congestion and safety hazards in the area outside Waitrose. This will disrupt the flow of traffic and inconvenience residents.  The Deliveroo Mopeds that swarm outside KFC will increase 10x.
6. Noise and Disturbance: McDonald's restaurants are noisy establishments, especially during peak hours. This will disturb nearby residents and negatively impact the quality of life in Leatherhead, particularly for those living in close proximity to the location. 

We urge the local council to consider these concerns and review the permission granted for the establishment of a McDonald’s restaurant in our beloved town. 

Let us prioritise health over convenience, community over corporations.

Please sign this petition if you share these concerns and wish to maintain the healthy environment we cherish here in Leatherhead.