THE council decision to give the green light to the restaurant development in Victoria Square has received mixed reactions from the villagers.

This month the planning committee gave its approval to Capital and Provincial Ltd to develop up to eight restaurants in Stockton Heath, despite an opposition campaign by nearby residents.

Jean Byrne, of Boswell Avenue and her daughter Michelle Riley, of Fearns Avenue, had mixed feelings about the move. Mrs Byrne said: "The traffic is bad enough and it may cause trouble in Stockton Heath. I don't want it to be like town, which is frightening to go into and so I think I would be against it."

But they said if the developers keep to their promise to only allow high-class eateries, they believe it could be a good move and they would visit the restaurants.

Norman Haddock, of Fairfield Road, said: "I'm basically in favour, to be honest, although that is not what you usually read. I would have preferred four restaurants rather than eight because I am not sure how viable it is.

"But I think it is going to look a lot better. The developers have also said they will get the traffic and parking sorted. I live in Fairfield Road and that's already jam-packed."

He said he would go to the restaurants and added: "I think it will be nice and even if they did develop a nightclub at least it would be somewhere for the younger element to go and there would be a greater police presence."

David Semple, of Calderfield Close, said at first he thought the development was a good idea but after hearing many of the arguments from the protesters he is now more sceptical.

He said: "I know people it will affect who are just up the road and they say they fear it may become a nightclub or pubs. But I think it would be nice for the area to be regenerated if it's done properly."

He said he would use the restaurants because they would be in such a convenient location.

Rob Watson, of Walton Road, said: "I don't think it will bring yob culture into the village, but I do understand why those who live close to it are upset.

"Although I live round the corner I don't want to go out in Stockton Heath. I want to go to Lymm or Knutsford but I will go and see what they are like."

But Amanda Penny, of Dundonald Avenue, said: "The council have not made the right decision. The traffic is already absolutely terrible and now it is going to be horrendous. I don't think it will just be middle-class people who are over 30 who will go there." She said she will not visit the restaurants in protest.

Betty Wicks, of Brindley Court, London Road, said: "We don't need eight restaurants. I think they should leave the village as it is as there will be lots of traffic and parking problems. I wouldn't go there in protest - just leave our village alone."