Auk Ltd, an independent dealer in the North West, has revamped its Prizet Services sites northbound and southbound on the A591 near Kendal at the gateway Lake District National Park, and switched its supply contract to Shell.

Simon Hockings, one of Auk’s three directors, said: “We are very pleased with the new look of the forecourt. The Shell branding is fresh and modern and the sites are very visible, replacing the BP fascia of some 15 years. Shell has been extremely efficient throughout the process, from the early negotiations to the full rebrand in December, which includes new canopy undersheeting, new LED forecourt lighting and 7m pole signs.”

He added: “The feedback from customers has been very positive and many have expressed their liking of the new image, choice of both v power diesel and unleaded fuels, and of course all our customers are very happy with our competitive pricing. Sales are up and I look forward to the January comparisons.”

The shops at both sites are branded Mace, with Costa Express and hot food to go by Market Fresh, and both offer separate HGV lanes. The sites, which are open 6am to 10pm also have cash machines, lottery, jet washes, off licences and Hermes parcel services.

Auk also developed a 43-bed Travelodge at Prizet Northbound in 2006 which has had a recent refurbishment of all its rooms.

Auk has also recently won planning permission to redevelop its site at Ings, near Windermere, to provide an enlarged convenience store and coffee shop, together with a new 4,000sq ft retail store and holiday apartments with associated car parking.

The new store is being developed in conjunction with a local cycle retailer. Simon explained: “The site is well placed to benefit from the investment in the new network of dedicated cycle paths being developed by the local council being adjacent to the route between Kendal and Windermere.

"We will be providing charge points for electric bikes and cars, a new shower and toilet block and a purpose built mountain bike training area. The Lakes is a haven for Mountain Bikers and Ings is ideally placed to provide a base from which to park up and explore the vast network of bridle ways in this area. A true transport hub."

Contractors have been appointed and work has started with a completion date scheduled for July. Auk has yet to decide which store partner will operate the new coffee shop and convenience store.

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