"Mac" the MP visited the home of the Big Mac in a new-style bid to meet the public.

The MP for the Vale of York, Anne McIntosh, was holding an "open surgery" at McDonalds, Clifton Moor.

About ten constituents showed up to chew over their problems, which ranged from the proposed park and ride at Rawcliffe to vandalised bus shelters at Clifton Moor.

Hailing her first Big Mac surgery a success, Miss McIntosh said: "It is a perfect opportunity for people to come and meet their MP in an informal way. I have tried to meet as many constituents as possible since my election in 1997 and hope to be approachable as the local MP.

"I am pleased that McDonalds offered facilities for me to hold this surgery. The restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere."

Miss McIntosh stressed that the Big Mac surgery was no replacement for her normal surgeries, which are held in private.

And if constituents are hungry for more open surgeries in the future, they will be pleased to hear that at McDonald's Miss McIntosh has got time for them.

The MP plans to put meat on the bones of her pioneering method and take-away the idea to other locations.

"I am open to offers," she said. "McDonald's approached me, so if other places suggest it I might go there."

Already, she has Tesco's in mind as a possible spot to check-out local opinion.

Miss McIntosh added: "Clearly I shall continue to hold traditional-style surgeries of a more personal, confidential nature in order to raise constituent cases in the House of Commons."

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