Bosses at burger giant McDonald's have agreed to meet protesters about its plans for a drive-through restaurant in Botley.

The meeting at the West Oxford Community Centre will be organised as soon as possible by the No Spin local pressure group, which has led a high profile campaign called 'McNo!' during the past two months against the company's plans for the former Carpenters Arms pub in Botley Road.

McDonald's does not need planning permission to convert the pub, but it would require consent from the Vale of White Horse District Council to create a drive- through facility.

Protesters claim the Botley Road/Seacourt slip road junction is busy enough without a constant flow of traffic in and out of a popular restaurant.

McDonald's has submitted a traffic plan to Oxfordshire County Council, and corporate affairs representative Robert Parker admitted traffic was a problem at the Botley Road junction. He hoped that, subject to planning permission, the drive-through would be open by July. Mr Parker said there would be no substantial difference to the company financially whether it was a drive-through or just a normal restaurant.

Campaigner Andy Webber, of Earl Street, who is a member of West Oxford Community Association, said: "If the community is against a drive-through, then McDonald's should go ahead with a drive-to option, given that it will be just as profitable for them."

Campaigners have been backed by Liberal Democrat Dr Evan Harris, who is defending his Oxford West and Abingdon seat at the the General Election. He has passed on hundreds of petition slips opposing the drive- through to the Vale of White Horse District Council.