A1 truckstop renovation delayed again
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THE OWNER OF a Yorkshire truckstop has spoken of his frustration after a decision about whether he can relocate nearer to the upgraded A1(M) was delayed yet again.
Michael Exelby has already spent more than £400,000 on a planning inquiry into his application to move Exelby Services in Londonderry, Northallerton, two miles away, after it lost a large chunk of business when work to upgrade the old A1 started in 2010.
A decision from the communities secretary Eric Pickles was due this month but, according to Exelby, MPs’ summer holiday and the complexity of the various proposals have led to another postponement. “They knew this deadline was coming,” he says. “When you analyse it, it’s just the inquiry inspector producing the information that the secretary of state reads out. We’re frustrated.” Exelby’s plans include developing 12 acres of land next to the new motorway junction, offering LGV drivers secure parking, fuel, showers, shop and truckwash.
“We used to have signage on the old A1 and that’s been taken away so we have lost that passing trade,” he adds.