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P SECURE PARKINC
Page 14
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Orwell Crossing Lorry Park could close 'within weeks'
By Chris Tindatt SUFFOLK IS BRACING itself for a flood of lorries being parked on industrial estates and in lay-bys after the owner of one of the biggest truck parks in the region says he may have to close.
Karl Rout, owner of the Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, says he is weeks away from the bank removing its support if the business fails to make a profit.
Rout says the facility has lost £800,000 since he first opened the doors in 2004 to lorry drivers needing a secure place to park. In the third quarter of 2009, it made a f13,000 loss, and if the final quarter of the year shows no improvement. he will be forced to shut down.
He says the problem is being made worse by drivers choosing to park in free. albeit unsecure, areas and taking their chances with thieves.
"At the moment, we are [trying to] make up the loss with the general public and our carvery offer. It's gone up from 500 to 1,400 a week. But we have to do them at £4.99, so turnover has increased, but not profit," he reveals.
"We are 5.600 lorries down compared with last year at this time.
"We are a stone's throw from doing it [making a profit], hut it's quite concerning, and we are a bit worried that if the council starts playing games again then that will take away the only resource that's actually going up."
The Highways Agency had tried to ban members of the public from buying food and drink at the site (CMS August 2008).
The Road Haulage Association's Chrys Rampley says Rout's problem has been compounded by Felixstowe Port closing one of its quays because of a downturn in business.
She adds:"It will he a bitter blow if Rout can't continue.