New fast food restaurant sign leaves a bitter taste for neighbours

KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry. Left: Jon Butler, Cllr Rob Skoulding, Cllr Jan French and Don Burr. Archant

AN enormous eight metre tall fast food take away sign at KFC in March is an eyesore says neighbours and has been placed too close to a nearby bungalow.

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KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry. KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry.

The illuminated sign was given approval when a sketch for a “totem sign” was tucked into the KFC planning application but few appreciated its scale and impact.

Jon Butler, spokesman for the neighbouring family, said: “All we can see when we sit in the bungalow is the colonel grinning at us. What an eyesore.

“From 8 every night until the place shuts it is lit up. It is so overwhelming we have to shut the curtains.

“My idea of a totem sign is a pole, not this great big thing. It is totally out of character and has ruined the bungalow.”

KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry. KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry.

Mayor of March Councillor Jan French, who coincidentally lives nearby, said: “This used to be open farmland and now we are stuck with a busy fast food outlet, generating rubbish, with a sign which is totally in your face.

“It looks three times the size of what is next door at Cobblestones restaurant.”

Protestors have the support of independent councillor Rob Skoulding who said a quick measurement reveals the sign has encroached onto the bungalow access.

Mr Butler said: “Deeds show we should have the right to free and uninterrupted passage over our driveway yet KFC, a huge organization, has put a massive sign in over our access and what can we as a small person do?”

KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry. KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry.

A spokesman for the franchise that operates KFC said: “We apologise for any misunderstanding as we always strive to be a positive addition to the community.

“The restaurant has created around forty career opportunities for local residents, and staff will carry out regular litter picks as well as supporting the United Nations’ World Food Programme. We are looking into this case and hope to resolve the situation soon.”

A Fenland Council spokesman said they would be checking the size and siting of the sign “to ensure that it complies with the plans”.

KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry. KFC Sign at Wisbech road Westry.