MADAM – John Stayte Services operates four filling stations in the local area.

A few years ago, we tried to develop a new filling station at the Slimbridge roundabout.

Although access would have been directly off the roundabout, Gloucestershire Highways consistently turned down our plans because of excess traffic movements and visibility concerns.

I now understand that there is a proposal to build a new filling station on Stroud District Council land on the old Ship Inn site in Stonehouse.

I cannot understand how the traffic movements can possibly be accommodated at this site unless a completely new roundabout is installed.

Also, the A419 is often full of slow-moving traffic at peak periods. Any new traffic schemes will slow down traffic and cause extra traffic to divert through Stonehouse to get to and from Gloucester and the M5.

The district council is now going to be asked to give planning permission for itself.

It will be interesting to see the views of the Highways and whether these will be ignored by the planners in the interest of financial gain for the council.

Mike Stayte

Manager of John Stayte Services

Eastington