It was the reckless incident against a town centre business which has left people divided. For several years, Tameside residents have spoken of concerns about safety in the outdoor market square area of Ashton town centre.
So it came as little surprise to some on social media when the glass doors of McDonald's, on Warrington Street, were shattered in a mindless attack recently.
Restaurant staff arrived to begin their early morning shift to discover the store had been targeted. Business continued at the restaurant for a number of days with the glass still damaged, with an area taped off for customers' safety.
For some in the town, it was a symbol of wider criminal behaviour. READ MORE: Grinning thug poses for selfies outside court after he's spared jail for stabbing stranger in Piccadilly Gardens READ MORE: Piccadilly Gardens was back to its usual self last night - but 36 hours before, things were very different Yet with new initiatives and investment in the last couple of years, others in Ashton believe the town centre is now in a better place than before when it comes to anti-social behaviour, while police believe the McDonald's incident is isolated.
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