Green alternative (From Stroud News and Journal)

Green alternative

SALES of eco-friendly biodiesel are booming in Stroud as cash-strapped motorists look for a cheaper and greener alternative amid fears of a petrol crisis.

Queues of cars have been reported at Pure Biodiesel in Woodchester just three weeks after it opened what the company claims is the first 100 per cent biodiesel pump in England.

"It is really picking up," said boss Adrian Lawton. "Actually I am quite worried about how I am going to keep up if it expands at this rate."

He said the environmentally-friendly fuel - made from recycled vegetable fat - was proving a draw, especially as at 89p a litre it was now cheaper than traditional diesel.

"We have had up to four people queuing at a time," he said. "I would say a third of the people who use it do so because they have heard it is cheaper."

Pure Biodiesel used to sell the fuel in measuring jugs but since it installed the pump at the end of August, more and more people are coming along to fill up.

Kardien Gerbrands, 43, from farmers' market organisers Made in Stroud, has been filling up both his two vans from the Station Road centre for the last four months.

"I couldn't believe you didn't need a conversion to use it," he said. "It took me quite a while to get the courage up to bring my first van here and trust Adrian's word.

"But there is no difference in terms of performance. And you can feel quite comfortable that you are not damaging the environment further by using it."

Nailsworth motorist Theresa Dawson, 42, added: "I drive a big Range Rover and this is my way of trying to do my bit for the environment. "It was only a question of time before petrol became more expensive."

Roger Budgeon at the Green Shop in Bisley, which sells blended five per cent biodiesel at 96.5p a litre, said sales were also steadily increasing to 6,000 litres a week.

*For more information on Pure Biodiesel call 01453 872266.