Cyclists have criticised McDonald's for "discriminating" against people who choose to avoid using their car for "unnecessary journeys", after being told they could not use the drive-through at the restaurant in Congleton.

Jill Dooney contacted Nub News to highlight that a group of cyclists were told they would not be served at Congleton's McDonald's this morning because they were on bicycles.

Mrs Dooney and her husband were planning on getting a McDonald's to celebrate the fact he had just received the first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Congleton Town Hall.

But they were told by McDonald's employees that it was against their insurance policy to allow residents to cycle through the 'drive-through', despite the 'drive-thru' being open to motorists during the latest national lockdown.

Mrs Dooney, who is a member of community group 'Active Travel Congleton', told Nub News: "I object to the fact that they [McDonald's] discriminate against people who choose to avoid the car for unnecessary journeys.

"I feel that this policy encourages more car journeys, particularly where children/teenagers want a McDonald's and have to ask their parents to give them a lift.

"Should McDonald's not be encouraged to upgrade their insurance policy or find another way to serve walking and cycling customers in a COVID-compliant way?"

Responding to Mrs Dooney's discrimination claims, the fast-food chain explained the decision was made to protect the health and safety of their staff and customers.

A spokesperson for McDonald's told Nub News: "For the health and safety of our people and our customers, we are unfortunately unable to serve customers not in road-going motor vehicles in our drive-through.

"With takeaway temporarily closed we know this is disappointing for some customers, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."