As a regular reader of the Courant, and a member of the Hexham Facebook page, it is clear to me that there are many people who are delighted that McDonald’s is probably coming to Hexham, but many who most definitely are not.
I would love to know whether your newspaper is looking into whether those who are against have any chance of influencing the decision. 
We are living in an age of obesity and an increasing dependence on ready meals and takeaways; why would we encourage this by allowing McDonald’s to move in, when the nutritional value of their food is questionable but the calorific value is not?
Further, I strongly feel that having a McDonald’s at the Bunker site will not bring people up into the town; in fact, many people think it will do exactly the opposite.  
The access to the entire site will - surely - create still further congestion on the Alemouth Road. 
There is also the problem of the litter that will be engendered ...
I really do feel that any opposition is seen to be ‘elitist’ or ‘snobbish’, rather than simple common sense.  
There needs to be a proper, open, fair discussion before planning permission is granted.  
I’m afraid that it may be a ‘done deal’ though ...
JULIA GRINT
Hexham