Drivers win fight for truckstop

Lorry drivers have won their fight to save a truckstop in Staffordshire from closure after planners threw out proposals to replace it with a business park.

A bid to shut the Nightowl on the A460 Cannock Road, Featherstone, was rejected by South Staffordshire District Council amid fears the proposals would turn the area into "another Milton Keynes", which has several industrial sites.

Owner Kilmartin Roadside had told planners the BP truckstop was not financially viable and they wanted to replace it with four industrial units and 1.5 acres of warehousing.

The bid had been recommended for approval by council officers, despite objections from lorry drivers, the Drivers Union, Professional Drivers Association and Staffordshire Police, who feared the loss of a safe haven could result in more truck hijackings.

Councillor Mrs Pat Griffin told last night's planning committee she was concerned about the height of the proposed buildings, which would be seen for miles around.

"I worry we'll end up like Milton Keynes where they've got so many big depots," she said.

She added that the loss of the truckstop would deprive lorry drivers of a "safe and secure" stop.

If the truckstop were to go, another of a similar size would had to be found, given the area was a transport hub for the country, said Councillor Jeff Ashley.

Committee members argued the height of the buildings would damage the surrounding green belt environment and that there was no alternative site for secure lorry parking.

Councillor Bob Cope said: "These are good planning reasons and given that 25 per cent of lorry hijacking and thefts from trucks happen in the West Midlands, we should take heed."

The application was refused by 28 votes to six.

Welcoming the decision, district and parish councillor David Clifft said: "The closure of the site would force truck drivers to park up in surrounding villages such as Essington, Hilton and Featherstone."

By Marion Brennan