PORLOCK’S last remaining petrol garage is to stop selling fuel after nearly 50 years.

JJ Pollards Central Garage in Porlock’s High Street has ageing fuel tanks which need replacing, but due to the cost and limited profit from selling fuel, the owners have decided against installing new ones.

It means motorists and tourists wanting to explore Exmoor up over Porlock Hill and out towards Countisbury Hill and Lynton and Lynmouth will likely need to take fuel on board in Minehead or Wheddon Cross.

Philip Langley, from JJ Pollards, said: “The holding tanks we have are nearly 50 years old and have reached the end of their life expectancy.

“The last thing we want is for them to start leaking as it would be an environmental disaster and result in a fine of thousands of pounds.

“The cost of ripping up the forecourt to put in replacement tanks is too expensive.”

Mr Langley said the garage would continue offering repairs, services and MOTs which formed the main part of the business.

“We did not make a huge profit on it as the fuel costs a lot to bring in to a rural area; it was something we offered as a service while we could,” Mr Langley said.

“I know other rural petrol stations are facing similar problems. In recent years we have had to pay business rates on them as well which has not helped.

“We probably have about three weeks worth of fuel currently left in the tanks.

“The village has been very understanding since we made the decision.”