Kearsley SS

After a two-year battle, Kearsley Service Station on Manchester Road in Bolton has been given permission to operate on a 24-hour basis for a 12-month trial period.

According to Bolton News, the site’s original application for permission to operate around the clock was submitted two years. The decision to allow the forecourt to extend its hours was made during a Planning Committee meeting on December 8, where 12 members voted for the application and two were against it. As part of the new trading hours, the site has to dim its external lights between 10am and 7pm.

The case was referred to the Planning Committee when local residents voiced concerns about the new opening hours. By the time of the committee meeting, they had received 60 objections. Most objectors were concerned about a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime if the site operated for 24 hours a day. There were also worries about traffic, in particular, HGVs using the site, as well as air, light and noise pollution. However, it was argued that there would actually be a reduction in anti-social behaviour and crime.

After the 12-month trial, the site may be able to open 24 hours a day on a permanent basis.