McDonald’s in Poole High Street closes tomorrow after 34 years

McDonald’s in Poole High Street has placed signs in the windows to say that the firm will close permanently tomorrow (JAN8) after 34 years.

This comes just weeks after rival firm, Burger King’s lease ended in a unit further along the same high street.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said that other branches in the town have proved to be more popular and convenient meaning that the Poole high street is no longer viable.

They added: “We are sad to confirm that our Poole restaurant will close on the January 8 after nearly 34 years of trading. The decision to close the restaurant is not one that has been taken lightly.

“We continue to have a strong offering in the town, with three other restaurants in Poole, and remain committed to the Dorset area.”

Dan Firth, 16, a college student from Upton, said that he visits the Poole branch of McDonald’s around twice a week. He added: “I’m a bit confused about why it’s closing, as it hasn’t been long since it was refurbished.

“I asked a member of staff and he said that they couldn’t afford to refurbishment to keep it up to the standard that McDonald expects.

“He also said that there will be job cuts, but he is going to the Wessex Gate branch.”

His friend, Ashley Fear, 17, who is also a college student from Canford Heath, said: “I’ve been going there at least once a week since I was about 12.

“It’s just convenient and I quite like the food. It’s busy all the time in there.”

Enver Bayram, 50, retired from Boscombe, said: “Burger King closed just before Christmas. It’s dissolving the place. I come to Poole about once a month and every time there are lots and lots more shops shutting.”

Denise Ager, 56, a gardener from Bransgore, visited the restaurant with her daughter, Kirsty Page, 30, and little grandson, Kasey Cooper, 16-months.

She said: “I wonder if this means that other branches will be closing. We don’t go to McDonald’s very often but it’s something that’s on every high street.”