SOMERTON residents denied easy access to fuel for the past five months are pumped at the prospect of a new service station opening.
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Westside Petroleum plans to open a Shell-aligned service station at the old Somerton Roadhouse site that closed in February.
The company, which runs more than 30 service stations across the state, proposes spending $350,000 refurbishing the “run-down” facility.
According to its development application lodged with Tamworth Regional Council, the building would be fitted out with the company’s “Fast n Ezy” branding.
Fast n Ezy is the name of its convenience stores, which typically sell groceries, hot and cold drinks, confectionery, milk, bread, hot food, newspapers and more.
Earlier this year, Ian Randolph and Owen Rogerson reluctantly closed the iconic Somerton Roadhouse, which had operated continuously for 80 years.
The duo blamed the closure on the small service station’s inability to compete with the discounted fuel offered by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths.
Somerton farmer Wayne Chaffey said most residents had been getting their petrol about 40km away in Tamworth, Manilla or Gunnedah.
“I’m sure lots of local people would like to have access to fuel, if it’s competitively priced,” he said.
The development application also provides for the “existing 24-hour operations” to be retained and signage stating “Somerton, your local store”.
“The existing service station provides a critical service to the community and to motorists who use the arterial road every day,” the application says.
“The proposed upgrades will provide a greater service and experience to all its customers, whilst maintaining local employment opportunities.”