A BID to sell Big Macs round the clock has been blocked by Glasgow councillors.

A BID to sell Big Macs round the clock has been blocked by Glasgow councillors.

McDonald's were refused permission to open more all-night drive-through sections. But the firm was given permission to serve food at Darnley, and Helen Street in Govan, until 3am.

The Evening Times told last week how SNP councillor Patricia Gibson had written to licensing chiefs saying the proposal would encourage unhealthy eating.

Today Mrs Gibson, who admitted she was known to have the occasional McDonald's, said: "I still think it's completely unnecessary to sell burgers at three in the morning in a residential area. I don't think there's the demand."

Both restaurants were open until 11pm, with a drive-through service until 1am. The licensing committee decision means the restaurants will still shut at 11pm, but the drive-through can stay open until 3am every day.

Following last week's article, Mrs Gibson was criticised on our letters page for her objection.

Graham Gartshore from Airdrie wrote: "What right has Councillor Patricia Gibson to dictate when and what people eat?"

Today, Mrs Gibson said: "I made it very clear that we can't stop people choosing. But we certainly don't want to be encouraging unhealthy eating."

The Greater Pollok councillor said Glasgow should follow the example of Liverpool, where the council wants to ban Happy Meals over claims they are contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic.

McDonald's on Springburn Road is the only one in Glasgow to have the round-the-clock opening.

The firm said one of the reasons for wanting 24-hour opening was to provide food and drink to shift workers such as police officers, firefighters and taxi drivers.

It also responded to criticism of its food by saying it had revamped its menu in recent years - introducing salads and fruit following stinging criticism.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "Both restaurants are awaiting written feedback from the committee which outlines the terms and conditions of the new licence. We will await this correspondence with interest.

"Extending the hours of any business does place more responsibility on it to continue to ensure it is having a positive impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with the authorities and the local community in both of these areas to ensure this is the case."