CONSERVATIONISTS say plans for a McDonald's restaurant at Chester's Town Hall Square will destroy the "image and dignity" of one of the most historic sites in the city.

At a public inquiry yesterday, Chester Civic Trust said the proposed fast food outlet at the Forum shopping centre - opposite Chester Cathedral - would be a turn-off for tourists and residents.

Complaints were raised about the effect of litter on the square, which is used for both civic and religious processions.

But McDonald's bosses defended criticism by saying the restaurant would breathe new life into the square and enhance Chester's thriving shopping centre.

They have pledged to provide litter patrols and bins and stated that the design of the outlet would be "sympathetic" to the square, which is a designated conservation area.

If the public inquiry at the Grosvenor Hotel gives the green light, the ú1.7m scheme would create 60 jobs and provide Chester's third and most prestigious McDonald's restaurant.

Objections

In his summing up, John Barrett, representing the City Council, said tourists are not attracted to Chester just ts eat hamburgers.

He said: "The two reasons why the appeal is inappropriate are that firstly it is for a non-retail use on a primary shopping street, and secondly it is in a conservation area.

"Places such as Chester Cathedral will be directly affected by this proposal giving great weight to the sensitivity of the site."

Independent planning inspector Mr Colin Thompson, appointed by the Department of the Environment, will give his decision on the appeal within seven weeks.