The transformation at the Texaco service station (Malthurst Rhuthun, Bridge Services) is marked. Since the new manager arrived in August, he’s tidied and smarted the place up. A lot.Gone are the old editions of magazines stuffed and wedged into the racks that made it difficult to see let alone rifle through the titles. Gone are the boxes of goods on the floor awaiting shelf stacking. Instead, the manager’s created more space by modestly moving the gondolas. The result is the shop area feels comfortably less crowded.
And the fuel’s cheaper and not just because the cost per barrel’s tumbling. Recently, Bridge Services has been leading the local market. It’s also been as cheap as fuel in other towns and is still roughly on a par. The gap’s closing or closed.Installed just over a fortnight ago has been an external cash machine. The only disappointing feature is that withdrawals cost £1.60 each. If taking out just £10, that (obviously) means 16 per cent in charges. Why would you use it when the banks and cash-back in supermarkets are free? If withdrawing £50, the percentage reduces to just over three.
We understand Bridge Services isn't selling the Beauty & the Beast Charity Calendar 2009. We shouldn’t castigate Bridge Services for its decision. Charity doesn’t have to be in your face. It doesn’t need to be a pocket watch drawn out for all to see and can equally be as discreet as a peep at a wristwatch. So, in spite of its large through-trade, let's not be too scornful. After all, the calendars are just about a sell-out. But what about Bridge Services’ top shelfers? Ironically, glance up, if you dare, and you’ll see Playboy and something called Asian Babes…
Overall, 10/10 for Bridge Services.
Internal photograph from circa July 2006. More. Fuel prices at 3 November (unleaded will be 94.5ppl this morning, diesel unchanged).