Big Macs and McFlurries will be served 24 hours a day after a restaurant was given a new licence despite fears over crime and disorder.

The McDonald’s at the Tollgate site in Stanway, which currently opens between 6am and 11pm, is set to open 24/7 after a new licence was approved.

Franchisee Craig Newnes, who owns all three of the McDonald’s restaurants in Colchester, believes at least 15 jobs will be created, with more in the future depending on how busy the Tollgate site becomes.

He said: “I am pleased that it has been approved and the job creation will be great.

“We are not going to open until we have got everything in place but it will hopefully be within a couple of months.

“We have dealt with everything, we have good experience in running 24 hour businesses.”

He has previously said his main priority is to be a good neighbour and that the restaurant will work closely with Essex Police to prevent crime and disorder.

The licensing application, which went before Colchester Council’s sub committee last Friday, also said customers are encouraged to be quiet when leaving the restaurant.

Stanway Parish Council raised a number of objections to the plans and said there will be little or no passing trade during the early hours of the morning.