A Wantage garage has announced “big changes” are coming with plan to temporarily close their petrol station.
Mellor’s Garage on Faringdon Road has been a regular spot for years with locals filling up on fuel, having MOTs done and visiting the shop.
That is set to change somewhat though after the owners of the garage announced that big changes are set to come at the location in the coming weeks.
Work is due to start in early May on the shop and forecourt, which will lead to temporary closures of both areas for a period of eight to 12 weeks while a major refurbishment takes place.
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This renovation will see the fuel forecourt switch from an Esso station to a BP service station.
The shop will now become a 24-hour-a-day Budgens Store, open every day of the week.
The refurbishment works will include shop fitting including a raised canopy over the forecourt to allow access for higher vehicles, new tanks, and pumps with a revised layout.
The owner Steve Henry, who had ran the business for 11 years, said several factors led him selling part of the business, including the impact of the 'floods' on the business over the last seven months.
Mr Henry added: "I worked there when 16, and came back 35 years later.
"I've enjoyed offering the locals a fair price in all areas… The downs of it have been the people that drive off and think it’s their right."
Owners Steve and Jo took to Facebook to share the news with their customers and wish the new owners luck.
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“We wish the new owner of the shop and forecourt every success whilst we concentrate on bringing excellence in vehicle maintenance, servicing, and repair to the people of Oxfordshire,” they said.
“We value your custom and we look forward to the new opportunities this period of change that this will bring to our little part of the county.”
Several customers responded to the post in shock and sadness that changes would be enacted to their favourite fuel spot.
“Ah no, that’s such a shame, I always try to fill up at Mellor's as I have a company fuel card and can only use it at Shell and Esso, and I’d rather support local businesses,” said one person.
“Best wishes for the future with the rest of the business anyway.”
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Another person remarked: “Love our local Mellor's, who look after their customers. Hope the new team follow suit and keep prices sensible.”
“You will always have our support and custom,” added another person.
A fourth person said: “End of a very long era.”
The planning application for the alterations was received by Vale of White Horse District Council on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
During the refurbishment period, the MOT, service, bodywork and repair side of the business will remain open and operate from the newly situated office building.
It is the shop and the petrol forecourt which will change hands while the laundrette will move to another area of the forecourt say the current owners.
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