Last week the Manx Independent revealed plans for KFC’s return to the island. So how have the public reacted to the news?

While almost all recognised the potential health ramifications, others liked the introduction of more choice.

As the paper revealed last week, the fast food chain is wanting to build a drive-thru on Peel Road, close to McDonald’s.

Dino Mazzone, 33 from Ramsey, said he believes the island as a whole is a ’consciously healthy’ place.

He added: ’Everyone loves a treat and, when you want that treat, it’s always better to have more options to choose from.’

Dino said that while he never went to the former store in Duke Street, he may go to a drive-thru.

However, he had concerns over traffic as McDonald’s already can cause issues on the road if the drive-thru blocks the road.

His concern over the road was shared by Laura Atkinson, 23, from Onchan.

She said that, with the site so close to McDonald’s, it could create further traffic issues on what is a major road in and out of Douglas.

Laura added: ’I also don’t really see a need for it. There are already so many takeaways in Douglas, I just don’t think we need more of them.

’It’s also a bit out of the way, but I suppose people will use it on their way home or after a night out.

However, the traffic is not a concern for Alex Carter, 19, from Onchan.

He said: ’It’s a big site, so if the store was well back, there would be plenty of room for parking and a drive-thru which shouldn’t affect the road in the way that McDonald’s does.’

He added that he thinks its ’really cool’ that KFC is planning a return to the island as he isn’t a big fan of the current options on the island.

Alex also noted that it is good if people eat it occasionally, stressing the importance of a balanced diet.

Maria and Phil Bird, 67 and 55, from Douglas, said they have always seen takeaway as a treat, from when they started taking their children to Griddles (which was on KFC’s former site on Duke Street, Douglas, before KFC opened) when they were younger.

Maria said: ’I actually prefer KFC to others and if its there then people will use it, but parents and people need to take responsibility for what they eat and what their children eat.

’I’m also a bit wary of it being a hassle. I remember when McDonald’s used to have problems because teenagers would congregate there and cause trouble for staff.’

Phil said he wished that instead of a big UK chain, it could be a Manx company with investment behind it. ’Bring back Griddles,’ he added.

Another resident happy to see a new fast food outlet is Laine Smith, 16, from Douglas, who said she is ’excited’ to see more choice as she isn’t a fan of current options either.

She said that while the need to eat healthy is important, no-one forces anyone else to eat fast food.

And added that she felt the previous store wasn’t in an ideal place.

Her friend Leah Goddard, also 16, from Laxey, said as an athlete she doesn’t eat much take away and focuses on earthing healthy, but she likes smaller portion options such as popcorn chicken.