BURGER giant McDonald's has invited the people of Abergavenny to contact them if they know of suitable sites in the town where they can build a drive-through facility and restaurant.

A spokesman for the company, which lost a planning appeal to build at Brandons turkey factory, said they were still interested in the area.

He added: "We are still looking at sites but it is unlikely to be a town centre facility unless we could incorporate a drive-through facility."

McDonald's had wanted to build an 85-seater restaurant and drive-through facility on the land owned by the turkey factory near the A465 but was turned down by National Assembly planning Inspector Ian Osbourne after a public inquiry.

Although the chamber of trade for Abergavenny, council and protesters were all against the proposed site they were not opposed to the fast food chain setting up a restaurant within the town centre.

Ian Shackleton, the president of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "We would welcome McDonald's to Abergavenny as long as it is a site in the town centre.

"If they opened a restaurant in Abergavenny then it would promote competition within the town which is healthy as well as attracting additional business for the surrounding shops.

"There are a number of possible sites in and around the Abergavenny bus station which may be feasible."