CAERPHILLY council officers have recommended that McDonalds in Blackwood be allowed to open from 5am every day.

However, the new opening hours will only be in place until October 31 next year to allow the local planning authority to monitor the impact the opening hours has on local residents.

The application will go before the planning committee today for approval.

Currently, the restaurant opens between 8am and 11pm Sunday - Thursday and 8am - midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The fast food outlet, situated at the top of High Street, had an application refused by the council in April this year to open its drive-thru between 11pm and 5am on Friday and Saturday.

There were fears that these opening hours would result in more anti-social behaviour around McDonalds.

Blackwood town council raised objections to the new proposal, citing added noise, traffic and litter they feel the opening hours would bring.

One letter of objection was also received.

Officers recommended the new opening hours as they feel the problems associated with late-night opening hours, such as car cruisers, would not apply to the early morning as it is more likely attract people going to work.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said he had reservations about the new hours: "I've still got concerns, we've got residents in the flats on High Street, if people use McDonalds at that time, I'm still worried about the disturbance."