THE controversial revamp of a Winchester petrol station is still ongoing, prolonging its closure beyond its planned opening date.
The former BP garage on St Cross Road was bought in August by JP&S Services and will include a Londis shop which may sell alcohol.
The Chronicle spoke to "forecourt emperor" and JP&S owner Visvanathan Yoganathan, who said the garage would be back up and running by late September.
However, in early October the garage still seems far from ready, with a big hole having been dug in the middle of the area where cars once pulled up to refill.
The Chronicle has contacted JP&S for a comment.
READ MORE: New Londis at BP garage in Winchester prompts protests
Residents of St Cross road are divided as to the potential impact of a licenced shop in the area, with some concerned about anti-social behaviour, while others welcome the convenience of having a nearby store selling a variety of goods.
One St Cross woman told the Chronicle: "Naturally the residents of St Cross Road are not too happy with this news which has been carefully kept under wraps. We would have preferred an M&S or quality outlet. We fought against alcohol sales at the garage some years ago, which is maybe why the news of the sale has been so carefully concealed."
Another resident, Takita Blinden, 32, said: "I don’t think it would be good. A lot of riff-raff live in the building, a lot of drinkers and drug abusers. I wouldn’t say it’s a positive thing."
SEE ALSO: BP garage refurbishment including off-licence begins
But not all residents shared these fears.
Jonathan Talbot-Weiss, who lives opposite the garage, said: "I don’t have a problem with it. I think if they do basic groceries it would be fantastic – there are a lot of people who would be able to walk to the store instead of driving."
Back in 2009, a bid by BP to sell alcohol at the garage fuelled a massive protest by St Cross residents, who feared it would attract drunkenness and vandalism.
Police and environmental health bodies also formally objected to the plans, which were eventually scrapped.
This time, however, there has been nowhere near as much resistance to the proposed convenience store, possibly because JP&S has not yet made public the details of its plans to sell alcohol, including the shop's opening hours.
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