TEIGNMOUTH'S only petrol station could close because of fears of extra traffic in one of the district's most polluted areas. It would mean motorists travelling for miles to fill up in neighbouring towns which would create more congestion on already busy roads. A planning application to convert County Garage car sales, Bitton Park Road, into a convenience store, has been withdrawn because of highways concerns about increased traffic. The retention of the petrol filling station was part of the plans, but garage owner Gordon Eaton, said that without a convenience store to make the project viable, it may have to go. Mr Eaton, who has moved the Seat dealership to Kingsteignton, said a new application is likely to be submitted within a couple of months. 'At the moment we are making efforts to see how we can improve the traffic situation there. But if the application is not accepted then the petrol station will have to close, because it is just not financially viable,' he said. Councillors in Teignmouth and Shaldon have rallied to keep the facility that is a lifeline for motorists, businesses and taxi firms. At Tuesday's town council meeting, Cllr Vince Fusco said that its loss would have a 'devastating effect on Teignmouth and surrounding villages'. Cllr Fred Tooley said that the council had supported Mr Eaton's plans for a convenience store, but 'Devon County Council has turned it upside down. 'Two thousand vehicles a week use that station. What will happen if all those extra cars are on the road to Kingsteignton or Torquay, it is just crazy,' he said. Bitton Park Road was rated one of the worst in Teignbridge for air quality last year. An action plan has been in place since then with monitoring equipment in place. But Cllr David Cox, also Devon County Councillor for the Teign Estuary said that the convenience store plans may improve congestion along the road. 'There is an air quality problem and we must not overlook that, but I do not think that this will make matters worse,' 'In fact, people travelling from west Teignmouth, who may have once taken their cars to the Co-op may instead walk to the convenience store to get their bits and pieces,' he said. Shaldon Parish councillor Ron Evans said that conditions being insisted upon by Devon County Highways and Teignbridge District Council Planners mean a very real threat of closure. 'Shaldon Parish Council and Teignmouth Town Council cannot believe that those imposing the conditions, which may well lead to closure, have taken in to account the drastic effect such action will have on both the economies and communities of Shaldon and Teignmouth. 'In addition to the all-year round problems that will be created, there is great concern as to how badly the leisure and holiday trade will be hit by this in future summers. 'This petrol station has always been the source of supply to all those involved in boating and use of the Teignmouth harbour,' he said.
