A PROMINENT petrol station on the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle has been closed for refurbishment.

Large barriers recently went up at Henshaw petrol station, near Bardon Mill.

The garage is the only one on the A69 between Hexham and Haltwhistle to buy fuel.

However, it has been closed since June to allow major works to be carried out.

Despite this, the adjoining mechanic’s garage remains open for business during the closure.

The improvements mainly centre on the garage’s onsite shop, which will be modernised and increased in size.

The plans also contain a provision for a disabled toilet at the site.

A planning application for the alterations was submitted in January and approved by county council officers in March.

Council officers felt that the changes would improve the appearance of the site by modernising the existing buildings.

As part of the building work, the garage will be fitted with new windows, doors, and a new facade.

Furthermore, the existing lean-to asbestos roof is to be replaced with a new, flat metal roof.

Owners M&L Richardson, who took the site over last year, felt the garage needed modernising.

The company also owns the petrol station at Low Row, further west on the A69.

M&L Richardson’s director, Martyn Richardson, explained that the company were carrying out the work to improve the experience of the garage’s customers.

He said: “We’re refitting the shop and putting a Spa store in.

“It’s also having a new roof.

“We’re doing it to improve the facilities and the shop so that there’s more to offer customers.

“We’re hoping it will be open on August 26.”