McDonald's has applied to open 24 hours in Canterbury city centre - but some residents are not lovin' it.

The fast food giant already has permission to trade until 3am and now wants to operate around the clock.

But the St Mildred's Area Community Society fears it could lead to more late night disorder because, it claims, there are no police routinely patrolling in the early hours.

Paul Crocker, who runs the McDonald's franchise in St Geroge's Street, has applied to the city council to extend its late night premises licence.

He said: "I understand that in extending our opening hours, we have a duty to the local community and we must continue to protect our staff and customers from harm.

"We believe the systems we have in place are robust and it should be noted that we do not serve alcohol.

"We also work with the local community to achieve a successful cohesion between our business operations and our neighbours.

"We carry out strict litter patrols in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant every 30 minutes but will extend them, as far as reasonably practicable, if required."

But residents' group SMACS chairman John Ellaby says the group strongly objects to the application, fearing it will cause nuisance.

He said: "Canterbury is poorly policed at night, indeed there is no duty staff specifically assigned to the city between 3am and 6am.

"It is certain to attract many late night revellers and those emerging from night clubs, often in high spirits and frequently drunk.

"Nothing should be done to encourage them to remain in the city centre where their congregation is likely to cause public disorder."

The council's licensing committee is due to consider the application at 11am on October 21 at the Guildhall.