A PETROL station near the M27 could be shut until next week.

Texaco in Romsey Road, Ower, near Romsey, will be closed while a new company takes over the site, according to an employee who works on the forecourt.

Now residents claim the petrol station has been taken over by Rontec, who operate over 240 forecourts across the UK.

A Co-op employee, who has worked in the area for two years, said: “The site was handed over to Rontec on November 11 and they are looking to reopen on November 16, but I don’t think they will do it on time.

“We have got two HGV lanes here as well and nearby businesses will not be able to use the station while it is closed, so they will have to go to other service stations.”

He added: “We were told in July about this change and Rontec have assigned Esso to the station; I think it will mean a better fuel service.

“The Texaco has been there since 1991 and I think the site was a neighbourhood garage before it was developed.”

One resident said: “It’s being taken over by new company called Rontec and the shop with it will be open on November 28, I believe.”

Another resident added: “It will be an Esso with a Shop and Go; it will be motorway prices as well.”

Rontec, Texaco and the Co-op were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time the Daily Echo went to press.