Local service station opposes Welcome Break plans

Cartgate Lodge Cafe and picnic area has called the site home for the past 20 years

Senior staff at an independent service station have said they feel "threatened" by proposals to build a Welcome Break services next door.

The proposals suggest developing the land west of the Cartgate Lodge picnic area off the A303 near Yeovil, Somerset, to include takeaways and drive-thru services.

Cartgate has been on the site for about 20 years and used to be a caravan park until it expanded into a bigger building with a picnic area and toilet block.

Manager Adam Thurgood said: "I'm all for the little man. This is a David-and-Goliath situation. It is not needed."

The Welcome Break proposal includes a Greggs, Taco Bell and a drive-thru KFC with a large public seating area, toilets, showers and gaming zone

Mr Thurgood said the 12 members of staff who work at the lodge have become "a family", and dreads having to reduce his payroll if revenue falls.

"Every member of staff has been here for years. We are family here, people know our names when they come in," he said.

"Everyone here is really, really upset about it all."

Mr Thurgood said the news had come as a "total surprise", having accidentally stumbled upon the planning application online

Mr Thurgood said the picnic area has become a hub for people to meet and socialise, creating an atmosphere "you would not get in a service station".

"Who needs more fast food? Everything here is sourced locally and homemade by our chefs," he continued.."

Jenny Essom stops at the picnic area each time she travels to and from Cornwall

Jenny Essom said she and her husband visit Cartgate each time they drive down to Cornwall in their caravan.

"The food is absolutely beautiful, so fresh and lovely. It's just wonderful," she said.

"We don't need another Welcome Break to stop at - they're all around the area. There's one just across the road.

"It really isn't fair because of the people that work so hard here [at Cartgate]. If they keep going we will still come, but not everyone will obviously."

A spokesman for ADS Design, which is representing the developer, previously told the BBC: "The proposed services will positively promote the area and provide a safe and comfortable refuge to visiting motorists."