We want McDonald’s in our picturesque town… but our snobby neighbours said no – their reason is ridiculous
RESIDENT who wants to eat McDonald’s in their picturesque town were left behind after their request was denied.
Locals living in Lewes, East Sussex, have a wealth of history, culture, fascinating scenery and fan-owned football teams.
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But some disgruntled residents in the beautiful town are angry because they can’t get any fast food.
Renowned as one of the most expensive places to live in Sussex, they claim the village doesn’t want a Maccies to keep its looks.
One frustrated local exclusively told The Sun: “I know they try to stop them.
“Nowhere if you want a burger. The nearest McDonald’s is miles away.”
Louise Oakman, 27, agrees with these claims, saying: “They just want the luxury shops here.”
The local kindergarten manager, who was born and raised in Lewes, added: “The town is lovely but living here is really expensive.
“It’s expensive and housing is a real problem.
“And buy a burger. I’m pretty sure they won’t allow mcdonalds in town or KFC.”
Disappointed residents were annoyed that they had to travel to another town to buy a Big Mac with the nearest McDonald’s seven miles away in Brighton.
Louise added: “It’s easier to get out of Lewes if you want a burger or any kind of service.
“I take my kids to the free stuff in Burgess Hill that I would have to pay for in Lewes.”
The mother continued: “House prices have impacted the cost of living crisis but it will still cost you a million pounds for a reasonably sized family home in Lewes.
“Public transport is also a problem – there are no buses. I drive and parking is too expensive.”
Lewes with views of the South Downs is within walking distance from London with direct train service to Victoria.
But teacher Beth Robinson, 30, said she fears for her son and the chance to find somewhere affordable to live in Lewes when he grows up.
Beth said: “I was born and raised in Lewes and I really can’t afford to live here anymore.
“I worry my son will never be able to afford to live here.
“A lot of the house price problems are caused by people moving in from London, people going to work.”
And despite the success of local brewer Harvey’s, Lewes doesn’t have a nightlife, says Beth.
“Unless you like going to the pub, there’s not much to do at night.
“It’s a beautiful place to live but too expensive,” she added.
The town also boasts a progressive, fan-owned football team that pays male and female players equally.
‘TOO EXPENSIVE’
Café owner Mark Robson is another person who has noticed major changes in the last ten years in Lewes.
The decline of the High Street, Covid and the cost of living crisis have hit Lewes hard anywhere.
“We are now doing half of the business we were doing ten years ago,” says Mark.
His cafe has been serving the people of Lewes for 26 years
Mark said Lewes changed as banks and other offices closed or moved to work from home.
“We’re the oldest coffee shop in town. It was a great place to go but there are fewer people now.”
He continued: “We used to do a lot of outside catering, but it all stopped during the Covid period and didn’t come back because people were working from home more.
“Banks have gone and local, independent shops – which bring people down from London – close when the chains move in.”
Covered shops are no longer an unusual sight, even if they are next to antique bookstores or one of the many real estate agents.
However, the town is popular with American tourists interested in the origins of their people.
The Human Rights Tavern in Lewes is named after one of Thomas Paine’s most famous works.
He lived and worked in town before leaving for the New World, where he became the founding father of the United States.
Come November, the town weathers the bonfire fever with Lewes famous for its celebration of wild Guy Fawkes.
McDonald’s has been contacted by The Sun for comment.
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