CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to keep fighting a controversial development and have called for compensation for their West End community.

It comes after plans to build drive-thru Starbucks and Burger King developments were given the green-light.

Previously, activists in Thornwood hit out at plans to build a Starbucks and Burger King drive-thru, saying it would have a disastrous impact on the local environment. But developers insist the plans will bring 50 new jobs to the area.

READ MORE: Burger King and Starbucks to be built at new drive-thru complex in Glasgow

Frank McNab, Chair of Thornwood Community Council said that the area should be compensated by developers.

Glasgow Times:

We previously reported that he had taken the radical step of contacting President Joe Biden to intervene when he was in Glasgow for COP26. He said he is “sickened” by the situation and there is opposition, anger and disappointment in the community. He said: “If the political will was there they could stop it.

“The current councillors haven’t been particularly vociferous about it.

“The thing is a carbuncle. We are all a bit sickened by it.

“The best thing would be if they stopped it but if it went ahead then the developers should be compelled to compensate the community.”

READ MORE: Fightback against Glasgow Burger King and Starbucks drive thrus

Members of the Love Thornwood group say they are not giving up as construction of a Burger King and Starbucks drive-thru at Thornwood Roundabout on the Clydeside Expressway gets underway.

Shaun Conroy, a spokesperson for the group said they were keen to keep raising the environmental impact of the food outlets. He said: “Thornwood is an absolute dumping ground. There is litter everywhere and the noise pollution is absolutely terrible.

“We’re trying to say: look this is an environmental crisis. We’ve got enough traffic around here. We’ve got the expressway, the roundabout married with Dumbarton Road so we are really concerned about the health of our people over here.”

The group launched a petition around five months ago which has attracted around 800 signatures and garnered support from local MP, Carol Monaghan. Ms Monaghan has raised concerns about the impact the new businesses will have on independent businesses in the local area. She said: ”Over the past few months, I have voiced my strong opposition to the development at Thornwood roundabout.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Glasgow community calls on Joe Biden to support campaign against Starbucks and Burger King development

“This development will only draw business away from vibrant and independently-owned caterers and businesses. After the financial harm caused by the pandemic, small business owners need to be prioritised - not disregarded in favour of major multinational food corporations.

“We are keen supporters of the Love Thornwood campaign, and are completely in favour of its objectives. Having written to Glasgow City Council to voice my concerns, I will continue to oppose this development publicly and privately to Council officials.”

But a spokesperson for PVP Developers said the development will bring “significant investment” to the area. A spokesperson added: “The location has been derelict for 30 years.

"There will be three times as many trees and greenery than previously and 50 jobs will be created. It will bring significant investment in area of regeneration .The planning application received only 3 objections. Drive throughs provide additional convenience and compliment other businesses in area”