Catherine revs up station campaign in response to Asda’s unmanned plan

Many folk depend on the staff there for assistance

A Tayside woman hopes more than 1,000 people will sign her petition as she campaigns to ensure a human presence is retained at a local petrol station.

Catherine Hegarty, 53, said that staff at Asda’s fuel station on Derwent Avenue in Kirkton, Dundee, are a “lifeline” for elderly and disabled people who may need help filling up their cars.

The St Mary’s resident started an online petition last week after hearing that the station will become unmanned and will only accept card payments in a month’s time.

She said: “I’ve been getting my petrol from this station for years, since it first opened. The staff are really friendly and they always help if you’ve got a problem.

“They’re a lifeline for people who are elderly or disabled.

“The other day the staff told me that the station would become unmanned and that we’d only be able to pay by card.

“I hardly ever use my card and like to pay by cash as it’s easier to keep track of my spending that way.

“I doubt the petition will make much of a difference but I’m giving it a go anyway.

“If the station becomes unmanned I’ll just have to get my petrol elsewhere.

“It would be a shame to see the staff go.”

So far 123 people have signed the petition but Catherine hopes to get 1,000 signatures.

One of the signatories regularly use this station.

“I am a disabled person and need

said:

“I this to be manned if I need assistance.”

Another added: “Have been using this station for years and a bank machine will never replace the nice friendly staff that have, and, do, work there.

“If it changes I will go elsewhere for petrol!”

An Asda spokesman said the move towards automation would ensure fuel prices stay low.

He explained: “The petrol filling station at our Kirkton superstore is in need of investment to ensure it continues to serve our customers well.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to Kirkton and will ensure our industry-low fuel prices remain available for many years to come.”

If the station becomes unmanned I’ll just have to get my petrol elsewhere. CATHERINE HEGARTY