Aerial photos shows 70 cars queuing as KFC reopens in Basingstoke

The fast-food chain reopened its drive-thru on Tuesday afternoon after closing in March following the lockdown restrictions.

Though the move has come under fire by one councillor, who believes it has caused unnecessary journeys. 

Cllr Jack Cousens, who represents Brookvale, said: "[I] completely agree and understand about the mental health issues lockdown has.

"If people really want KFC, then get it delivered. I’m not convinced going to the drive-thru is a necessary trip.

"I’m also concerned about the congestion on the road to the hospital and testing centre."

The scene from above Basingstoke's KFC on Tuesday afternoon (Solent News)

Question: What does it look like when a fast-food chain reopens for the first time in six weeks?

Scenes at Basingstoke’s KFC right now. pic.twitter.com/eLC7pTHpHf

— Katie French (@journokatie) May 5, 2020

The response on Tuesday afternoon was so overwhelming that traffic queued back to the dual carriageway, which Cllr Cousens said was dangerous as it could be slowing essential trips to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.

Here is how the reopening was covered by the Gazette:

• KFC says Basingstoke drive-thru was reopened to give key workers "a little more choice"
• "I’m a hard core fan" - Here is what life is like queuing up for KFC in Basingstoke
• Basingstoke's KFC reopens for drive-thru and home deliveries
• Massive queue as KFC reopens in Basingstoke

Such was the demand of the chain, that KFC was forced to temporarily close its store as it ran out of chicken. 

At Basingstoke retail park, queues steadily grew over the course of the afternoon with more than 70 vehicles pictured waiting in line at around 7pm.

Meanwhile, a member of staff had to deployed to stand outside the closed Odeon cinema to direct traffic. 

The fast-food outlet has since made use of the car park opposite the restaurant where cars can queue without blocking up the dual carriageway. 

Aerial pictures taken on Tuesday the stream of cars snaking around the retail park which is now home to a mobile testing unit, being operated by the army.

Queues for KFC (Solent)

The mobile testing unit, meanwhile, was completely deserted

In stark contrast, the testing unit - set up outside Hollywood Bow - was largely empty. 

Only a handful of people could be seen arriving at the unit to be tested while army personell manning the stations were left with little to do but watch the traffic chaos ensue outside of KFC. 

A spokesman for KFC said: "KFC Basingstoke Leisure Park has reopened. Delivery remains the best way to get your fried chicken fix - however we are offering drive thru, to give a little more choice to those who are already on the road for essential journeys or on their way home from difficult shifts."

Customers were overjoyed with the reopening of the fast food giant. One teenager described himself as "hardcore fan" and flocked to the scene the moment they realised it was back open. 

Cllr Cousens said: "The rules haven’t changed since the beginning of lockdown; necessary journeys only.

"Clogging up the dual carriageway, one of the main routes to Basingstoke Hospital, just to get some mediocre fried chicken is unacceptable."