Purpose-built site opens

Blakemore Retail has opened a new purpose-built petrol forecourt store in Louth, Lincolnshire. The store, situated on the Fairfield Industrial Estate, is the first of Blakemore Retail’s sites to combine a Spar convenience offer with both Greggs and Subway franchises.

FTA calls for cut in duty

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of his 2014 Autumn Statement on December 3, outlining the economic benefits that could be delivered by a reduction in fuel duty and calling for a cut of 3ppl.

Arrest after robbery

Northumbria Police arrested a man after an armed robbery at a Blue Sign Service Station on the Coast Road in Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, at just after 6.20pm, on Sunday, November 23.

Regus debuts on M6

Regus, the workspace provider, has opened its first Express location on the M6 motorway, at Sandbach South motorway service area. This will be followed by further Regus Express launches before Christmas at Strensham North (M5), Watford Gap (M1), Chester (M56) and Norton Canes (M6 Toll).

£3m property deal

Commercial property company Custodian REIT has paid £3.05m for a petrol filling station and convenience store in Kent. The site, at Beechings Way, Gillingham, on the A289 dual-carriageway, is let to the Co-operative Group.

Green car sales surge

There has been a major rise in registrations of alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFV), according to figures for October released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with the market up more than 50% in both month and year-to-date.