Elmswell and Woolpit Councils Question Safety of Open Elmswell Services

Elmswell: So, there’s a bit of a stir going on with the Elmswell Services. The local councils are scratching their heads, wondering why this service station is still open when it’s been ordered to shut down. It’s been flagged as ‘extremely hazardous’ after some serious safety concerns were raised.

The service station, which just opened last month, includes a Spar shop, Greggs, and Starbucks. But here’s the kicker: it was told to close because it didn’t meet the safety conditions set by the Mid Suffolk District Council. They were supposed to fix up the access and exit points before opening, but that didn’t happen.

Despite the closure notice, the place is still buzzing with activity. The councils are worried about what this means for drivers. Peter Dow, the parish clerk, is pretty vocal about it, saying it’s a clear violation of safety policies. He thinks it’s dangerous and that the company is ignoring the guidelines.

Woolpit Parish Council is also in the mix, saying they objected to the service station from the get-go. They’ve heard from residents about near misses since it opened, which is alarming. The council is frustrated, feeling like the owners care more about making money than keeping people safe.

Mid Suffolk District Council is in a tough spot too. They can’t physically close the entrances, so it’s up to the owners to comply with the closure notice. They’re worried about the safety issues and are looking into more legal options to address the situation. Everyone just wants to see Elmswell Services open again, but only when it’s safe to do so.