With the McDonald's naysayers shouting loudly about their opposition to the proposed development, those who want the fast food restaurant to come to the town are banding together to give the 'yes' vote a voice.

Following the public meetings receiving high attendance of those against the development, those who welcome a McDonald's to Llanfoist have set up a Facebook group to express their views on the proposal, and to promote the fact that the public still have time to put their comments on the Monmouthshire County Council Planning Portal.

Craig Titchener set up the group, which now has over 1,000 members, rivalling the No Campaign page which has just under 700 likes, and in an interview with the Chronicle spoke of his reasons why he is pro McDonald's.

"Many of the arguments against McDonald's seem hasty and not well thought out. For example, many people are saying that it will have a negative impact on the natural beauty of the site," he said.

"There is so much beauty around Abergavenny and Llanfoist. There are places to walk around the canal, around Castle Meadows, and the town centre is being rejuvenated slowly. Abergavenny and Llanfoist are beautiful places and the addition of a McDonald's is not going to stop that.

"People are complaining about the golden arches, but what about the pylons and the derelict building on the site, what does that bring to the area?"

He also questioned the fact that many people against the development are 'fobbing off' the claim of how many jobs this development will bring.

"Many young people, such as college students will be wanting part time jobs, and to offer them this is a no brainer," he said. "And it is not just young people, people of all ages who are unemployed have an opportunity to get back into work.

"Whilst they might not be the most impressive jobs on offer, it is better than being on the dole. Getting people into work should be a priority for this area, and we should not be turning away businesses that are offering this for people."

He also thinks that with the recent problems highlighted with 'Boy Racers' in the town, a new place for people to go that is not in the town centre could be a godsend.

"McDonald's will make that area a social hub. We have seen in the Chronicle about the troubles with young people driving their cars around the centre of town and close to peoples homes.

"This is evident of a lack of social gathering places for young people. McDonald's offers that, a place for them to see their friends, have a milkshake and bringing McDonald's to that location could stop the troubles in the centre of town."

On top of this, any qualms people have about traffic management are unfounded according to Craig, as he argues that the Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre and Costa will be bringing in a large proportion of extra traffic regardless.

And he is not alone in his views, as already the Facebook page is packed with local people's positive views on the site.

In her comments on the site, Emily Brown said, "It's a brilliant idea that will bring jobs, money and people to the area!

"For all those saying no because it will ruin the scenery, open your eyes, Llanfoist and Aber are already run down!"

She added, "This is 2014 not 1914!!! Stop wasting money on new benches and other stupid stuff and invest money into something decent for the town!!!"

In a similar vein, Robyn Nicole Dainton said on the site, "Everyone is focusing more on the negatives (which there are a small minority) than the positives that a McDonald's will bring.

"Personally I'm sick of seeing shops shut down because business runs flat.

"Our town is dying and I think it's about time we liven it up and bring more people in.

"I want to be proud of where I grew up and be able to tell my children how it used to look and then how the new businesses improved the town but people's negativity means all they are going to see is a ghost town."

These kinds of comments have clearly resonated with the public, as the Planning Portal is now filling up fast with support for the development.

On the MCC site, Tanya Edwards said, "Abergavenny could definitely do with McDonald's coming to town. We desperately need job opportunities and also a restaurant which is family-friendly and have great price. Abergavenny is sadly lacking decent fast food places. More people will have more job prospects. Please allow."

But they are still facing down to opposition who feel the issues of litter and lack of suitability of a fast food chain to the town and the health issues make it a poor choice of development.

Craig said, "McDonald's is somewhere for a treat, and they have come to rural towns across the UK and not done any harm. I just don't see why we need to stop this, as it could have a very positive effect on unemployment, on giving young people a place to go, and could set off a chain in bringing more investment into this town.

"I just want people who support this to have a voice and not be drowned out by the negativity, and to give the council a balanced view of what people really think."

•The portal is open until Friday October 17 for comments, so to put your views to the council and developers, go to monmouthshire.gov.uk to view planning applications and search for application DC/2014/01000.

Also if you are pro McDonald's, visit the campaign page on Facebook or visit their site on abergavennymcdonalds.uk/say-yes.