A TRADER has pledged to shut up shop after 21 years because of plans for a McDonalds drive-through.

Ken Pickles runs hardware store Ken's Den in Higher Market Street, Farnworth, next to the council car park where the fast food chain wants to build a restaurant. Mr Pickles, aged 74, said: "When I first opened the shop trade was good but these days I don't even make any profit, I do it because I enjoy it.

"This plan is going to kill off trade in Farnworth, so what's the point carrying on? I am going to get rid of my stock as soon as possible and leave."

Mr Pickles and other traders claim that the car park, the only public one in the area, is vital for customers using their shops. "If there is no car park people will just park in other places and end up getting fines from traffic wardens. If that happens they won't come back," said Mr Pickles, who lives in Little Hulton.

"People already go to other places to shop and this will be the final straw."

Three petitions are already circulating about the restaurant, which would also take up part of St Gregory's School field. The council has not set a date for the plan to go before a committee, but is inviting people to write in with their objections.

A McDonalds spokesman said they would reinstate up to 40 of the parking spaces for public use if the plan went ahead. "If we come to Farnworth it would be a significant investment of £1.1million and up to 50 jobs. We would be happy to answer any questions residents have."