Dismay as truck stop project faces delay

Proposals have been drawn up by Exelby Services for the development at Leeming Bar to bolster services for heavy goods vehicles and create 20 jobs once the motorway upgrade of the A1 is completed.

A planning application has been approved by Hambleton District Council although the 5m scheme has been called in and will go before a public inquiry in November, meaning a decision is not expected until the middle of next year.

Exelby Services chief executive Michael Exelby, said: "Despite being given the green light by the local council, we cannot press ahead with construction as we have been told our application will now be included in the forthcoming public inquiry into a new motorway services area on the upgraded A1.

"This delay puts 20 new jobs on hold.

"In addition, there is already a major shortage on this stretch of the A1 for these specialist facilities for HGVs and their drivers, which can lead to illegally parked lorries inconveniencing local residents and damaging roadside verges."

The new truck-stop would provide more than 100 parking spaces for lorries as well as refuelling and "driver welfare facilities".

However, the Yorkshire Post revealed in April that residents had criticised the plans as they claimed it could overshadow a 38m bypass development which villagers in the area desperately need.

Mr Exelby's father, Ron, first built a filling station and repair garage on the old A1 in Londonderry in 1947.