An Oxford service station which was partially closed last month due to a cockroach infestation has been ranked as one of the UK’s best.

The Welcome Break services off the M40 were visited by South Oxfordshire Environmental Health Officers on Monday, May 20.

This was prompted after they received a complaint from a member of the public who had visited the service station at junction 8a near Wheatley.

During their investigation, officers found evidence of a cockroach infestation in the food preparation and servery areas of three outlets.

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Cockroaches were found at the services (file photo).Cockroaches were found at the services (file photo). (Image: Pexels)

These included KFC, Chopstix and Starbucks where a significant risk of food contamination and an imminent risk to the customers’ health was posed.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was placed on the service station and the impacted units closed immediately.

They have since reopened but despite these major hygiene issues and closure, the services have now been ranked as one of the best stations in the UK.

Ranking ninth in the top 10 list compiled by Moneybarn Car Finance, the services are only beaten by the likes of Exeter, Ferrybridge and Beaconsfield.

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Several factors were analysed including the volume of parking spaces, restaurants, shops, EV chargers, petrol and diesel prices and Tripadvisor reviews.

Oxford’s service station has 348 parking spaces and 12 eateries, with the average price of petrol costing visitors 141.6p per litre.

This granted the location an overall service station score of 6.10 out of 10.

The service station has been contacted for comment. 

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