THE first opening of a MacDonalds drive-thru in Thurrock has brought congestion that has delayed buses and caused traffic congestion.

The McDonalds on the Lakeside retain park in West Thurrock was one of 162 locations across the country that reopened for drive-thru business only today and it has proved to be a magnet for fast food fans.

This afternoon, in the wake of queues backing up and blocking local roads, local bus operator Ensign was forced to announce disruption and delays to some of its services.

Just after 2pm today (Tuesday, 2 June) the bus operator tweeted "ROUTES 22, 44 & X80: Delays due to traffic issues in the Lakeside Retail Park area because of the reopening of McDonalds....yes really!"

The West Thurrock McDonalds is the only one of the three standalone sites in the borough to reopen. The other two at Tilbury Asda and on the A13 near Stanford-le-Hope, remain closed - as do the outlets inside the intu Lakeside shopping complex.