Roydon Service Station in Norfolk, which closed for business at the begining of the year when the owner wanted to retire, has re-opened as a Gulf site.

Situated on the busy A1066 through-route between Diss and Thetford, the forecourt was bought by LR Wyard & Scott, which has another forecourt at Cockfield near Bury St Edmunds. The company is run by Adrian Taber and his family.

The site includes an extended and refurbished convenience store - it has actually doubled in size. The shop stocks the usual convenience store lines - although it does not have an off licence neither does it sell cigarettes - and there is an emphasis on locally-sourced foods. These come from nearby butchers, dairies and farms and are proving very popular with customers.

In fact feedback overall from the local community has been excellent.

A spokesperson for LR Wyard & Scott said: "People are pleased to see the site has re-opened with its new Gulf branding, but they are also pleased when they realise that it’s owned and operated by a family-run firm."

So far the range has all been picked by the company, but Gulf-endorsed merchandising specialist, InStore Profits, is expected to get involved to help maximise turnover.

The site is also Norfolk’s first Aixam quadricycle franchise. These vehicles are described as ’small and energy-efficient’ and their green credentials mean sales are growing.

Gulf estimates that Roydon will exceed two million litres in its first year under new ownership.

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