A controversial new McDonald’s could cause chaos in a small Devon town, locals claim.

       Crediton has welcomed its first-ever McDonald's restaurant, launching this week with a 24-hour drive-thru service, reports Devon Live.

       Locals have spoken out about the impact the new restaurant could have on traffic and small businesses in the area - and not everyone is happy.

       Many are concerned about littering and possible traffic issues.

       The restaurant features a children’s play area on Joseph Locke Way.

       It will hire around 120 staff for full-time and part-time roles from within the area, boosting employment opportunities for the local community.

       READ MORE: McDonald's announces major menu change featuring new burger

       McDonald's has stated their decision to open in the traditional Devon town was driven by a “long-standing requirement for a restaurant to serve this catchment area, to meet customer demand and introduce additional choice in the market.”

       But some have shared their concerns. Commenter Les Upham says: “It's getting more like America everyday in this country. Soon nobody will ever have to walk anywhere ever again. Everything will be a drive thru.”

       Sam England adds: “It’s very close to both roundabouts, I wonder how many cars can they have in the queue before it affects the roads, because I can envisage there being unnecessary chaos on some occasions.”

       Jay Daniel agrees: “The traffic is already a nightmare in Crediton and this new McDonald's is only going to make it worse.”

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       Glenn Pyper writes: “As an employer they are pretty good, but the impact on the surrounding countryside and community - not so good.”

       McDonald’s has more than 1,270 restaurants in the UK and employs more than 120,000 people.

       The chain first came to the UK in 1974, opening its first UK branch in Woolwich, South-east London.

       By 1975, the first advertisement appeared on UK cinema screens and in 1976, the first TV advert was broadcast to UK screens.

       Not long after, by 1983, the 100th UK restaurant opened in Market Street, Manchester.

       McDonald's became the first UK quick-service restaurant group to introduce nutritional information nationwide to benefit customers.

       David Shawyer, who now owns and operates 10 McDonald’s restaurants in Devon, said: "We are delighted to open a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Crediton and can’t wait to see local customers enjoy our services on offer.

       "People are at the heart of our business and we look forward to welcoming new employees with the jobs our restaurant will create. We’re committed to investing in opportunities for a mix of all ages, life stages and backgrounds, promoting flexibility and equality."