FAST food fans queued up in their droves for their first McDonald’s in months.

Staff at the home of the Happy Meal put in place an elaborate queuing system with tape and traffic cones at each of its newly-reopened branches yesterday to cope with the drive-thru demand.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus testing centre near Wroughton saw a small fraction of the traffic despite being able to test up to 2,000 people a day.

The Greenbridge McDonald’s outlet had cars snaking round part of the retail park being directed by an assistant at the mini-roundabout.

Customers were advised to limit spending to a maximum of £25, to pay by card, and use the app if they had it on their phones to speed up the ordering process.

The queue then split into two lanes before another assistant directed traffic at a junction to stop incoming drivers from blocking those were leaving to return home.

Staff wearing face masks and gloves seemed in good spirits despite the seemingly-endless stream of customers and passed over meals to take away.

Adver readers welcomed the chain’s return but criticised those who drop litter along the roadside.

Michelle Whittaker said: “At the end of the day some people haven’t left their homes for however many weeks now. If queuing up for a McDonald's brings them a bit of happiness, it’s their business not yours.”

Branches in West Swindon and the town centre remained shut.

The fast food chain has introduced several safety measures to keep staff and customers safe.

Social distancing has been implemented in kitchens and service areas. Perspex screens have been set up at drive-thru windows.

All employees are being asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers are being used to take their temperatures as they arrive to start a shift. The restaurants will have smaller teams with a limited menu and open for fewer hours.

A spokesman said: “As we adapt to a new way of working, McDonald’s would like to thank customers for their continued support and patience.”

Earlier this week South Western Ambulance Service said crews struggled to get past queues to attend emergency calls because roads were blocked around newly-reopened restaurants elsewhere in the region.

A spokesman said: “If it’s too busy and it’s unsafe to queue because of traffic, please go back later. It could be your family we are trying to get to or are critically ill in the back of an ambulance.

“And at the end of the day please remember. Your takeaway can wait. Our patients cannot. What could cost you a fiver may cost someone their life.”