FAST food giant McDonald’s has been granted permission to use the front of its Church Street restaurant as a pavement cafe - but it is under strict instructions to keep the area clear of rubbish.

The plans involve placing four tables and 16 chairs within removable canvas barriers.

St Helens Council granted permission initially for 12-months, under the condition that the site is subject to a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.

This means that once a week the area must be deep cleaned. It must also be cleared of litter and rinsed down each evening and a “trash walk” must be carried out along Church Street five times a day while the pavement cafe is in use.