PLANS for a drive-through food outlet in Spennymoor town centre are causing a stir among traders and residents.

The proposal, to build a 60-seat restaurant with a drive-through terminal behind the Festival Walk shopping precinct, has caused mixed feelings in the town.

It is not yet known which company hopes to open in the town but traders are concerned it could drive away their custom.

The main concern is the loss of car parking, because the building would occupy more than 50 spaces, which could discourage motorists from visiting the town.

Owners of cafes and other food outlets are concerned about the competition and retailers on the precinct have mounted a petition against the proposal.

The chairman of Spennymoor town centre forum, jeweller John Welsh, said there were mixed feelings about the proposal.

He said: "It could actually be a good thing for the town overall to have a major company in the area attracting more new people who may also visit the shops.

"But it would take up a lot of car parking spaces, which would obviously affect businesses that rely on trade from drivers, especially the grocery stores whose customers use trolleys.

"Some are also worried that people will bypass the precinct to go to the restaurant so there will be a loss of passing trade, particularly from school pupils during lunch breaks."

Residents are worried that the drive-through would mean an increase in traffic outside trading hours and customers would drop their food packaging, creating a litter problem.

Spennymoor Town Council last week agreed to waive its standing orders so it could send a letter of objection about the scheme to Sedgefield Borough Council as soon as possible.

Council leader Councillor John Marr said: "We know it is a difficult situation because, on the one hand, we want to promote the town centre to national companies and attract more people into the town, in particular young people, which a fast-food restaurant would do.

"But we are very concerned about the potential loss of a lot of central car parking spaces and the concerns of residents who don't want to face a drive-through restaurant so have objected on that basis."

The plans are expected to go before the borough council's development control committee on July 23, although a date has yet to be confirmed.