Dordogne village petitions against opening of nearby McDonald’s restaurant
Villagers say there are enough local restaurants, but mayor focuses on job opportunities
The opening of the restaurant could bring up to 50 jobs to the local community according to the local mayor
Robert V Schwemmer/Shutterstock
Residents in a Dordogne village have launched a petition to prevent a McDonald’s restaurant from opening.
Villagers in Neuvic (population 3,600) near Périgueux say they feel “betrayed” by the mairie for giving the fast food giant the green light to open a restaurant as there is already another McDonald’s 15 minutes away.
The village already has five eateries in its centre, including locally-owned fast food restaurants and others focusing on local products.
“I don't see what a McDonald's would do here in Neuvic. We already have a lot to offer, with very good products and good food,” said one local resident to media outlet RMC.
“It's a betrayal, pure and simple. I find it deplorable. Today, having a chain like McDonald's could kill off our town centre, and that's unfortunate,” said Laurent, co-owner of one of the existing restaurants.
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Employment opportunities
The village’s mayor sees things differently, however.
“McDonald's will act as a magnet for other large national chains,” said Paulette Doyotte.
She hopes around 50 jobs will be created alongside the restaurant opening, particularly for younger people.
“As an elected representative, the general interest is to defend economic development,” she added.
The mairie will hold consultancies with local residents and shopkeepers about the restaurant opening, the mayor said.
The petition, which has been signed by nearly 700 people, can be found here.
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