Locals and community leaders are split on news that a city centre McDonald's could be open until the early hours of the morning. 

The site in Haymarket, which currently closes at 11pm every day, is hoping to continue trading until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights while remaining open until midnight on other nights.

Norwich Evening News: The Haymarket McDonald's has applied to extend its opening hours until the early hours of the morningThe Haymarket McDonald's has applied to extend its opening hours until the early hours of the morning (Image: Emily Thomson)

The application could prove controversial, with both city folk and police already voicing concerns about large groups of youths loitering around the restaurant late at night.

And the 150ft William Booth Street, which runs between McDonald's and Next, is statistically the city's most crime-ridden street.

Norwich Evening News: William Booth Street is the city's most crime-ridden streetWilliam Booth Street is the city's most crime-ridden street (Image: Denise Bradley)

"If people are out and about later then it could be dangerous," said Paul Horn, who was shopping in the city centre with his wife Lorraine.

"If this is approved, then there will be more people hanging around late at night and potentially more people to target."

The licence application comes as work on the £3.2m revamp of the Hay Hill area started at the beginning of last month, to create a greener and more comfortable area that could host public events.

Norwich Evening News: Chris and Lyn TrenerryChris and Lyn Trenerry (Image: William Warnes)

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"They are trying to liven up this area and make it a better place," said Chris Trenerry. 

"If you leave somewhere run down and don't try to change things then that's all it will ever be.

"Really, what's the difference between that being open late and a kebab shop?

"And other McDonald's stores are open 24 hours, so why not this one?"

Norfolk police declined to comment during an active application process, with the public having until June 4 to comment before the city council makes a decision.

Jamie Osborn, Green Party councillor for the Mancroft ward, said the chain should "take responsibility for the litter" if the application is approved.

Norwich Evening News: Green Party councillor Jamie OsbornGreen Party councillor Jamie Osborn (Image: Jamie Osborn)

"We'd much rather see support for local and sustainable businesses," he added.

"Too many small businesses are closing in the city centre and more needs to be done to make sure they can afford energy bills and rent."

A McDonald's spokeswoman has pointed to convenience for customers and creating job opportunities as positive elements.