THREE McDonald’s branches are due to reopen to serve drive-through customers today.

Restaurants on Chalon Way and St Helens Linkway, as well as Earlestown are set to reopen today (Wednesday, June 3) after closing during the coronavirus lockdown.

The fast-food chain, which is gradually reopening nationwide this week, will offer a limited menu.

It is understood St Helens Council has been in discussions with branches over the openings to draw up plans to manage potential traffic congestion.

Openings have led to tailbacks in other parts of the country and the two St Helens restaurants are both located off the link road, which is generally busy.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “With fewer employees working in our kitchens and service areas, our teams will still need your patience and support as they continue to adjust to the new ways of working.

“Face coverings, gloves, Perspex screens and new safety and hygiene processes mean it will look different, it will take a little longer and as we have seen in the pilot restaurants, we expect demand will be high.

“Please bear with us, we will continue to put our people first – their safety is our priority.

“In the last week, on occasion, we have taken the decision to close drive thru lanes where demand has impacted local communities or the safety of our people or customers.

“We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans.

“With smaller teams, we will still be offering a limited menu over reduced hours, and we ask that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25.

“We are continuing to review these measures as we reopen, but for now, these restrictions remain in place to help our employees, customers and delivery partner couriers to remain safe.”

Customers are being urged to order from the app.