Hopes that Wells could get its first petrol station in more than five years

Hopes have been expressed that Wells could get its first petrol station for more than five years, a move that could boost trade in the town.

While discussing Anglia Co-operative's plans to open a �3.75 million supermarket in Wells, town councillors talked about the possibility of the company incorporating a petrol station into its plans.

During Wells Town Council's meeting councillor Lindsay Dew said: 'The town needs a filling station. Having no petrol station in Wells does have an adverse affect on trade in the town and can often mean people shop elsewhere.'

Councillors voted to send Anglia Co-operative a letter stating that it would be pleased to see the company incorporating a petrol station into its supermarket plans.

We have previously reported how Anglia Co-operative is planning to open a supermarket at the former Polka Caravan Centre, off Polka Road, with a view to opening next spring.

The development would create up to 50 full-time and part-time jobs and the company is expected to submit an application for planning permission to build the 10,000 sq ft store and 52-space car park soon.

Meanwhile, at Monday's town council meeting, councillor Maggie Ward expressed concern at the lack of trade in Wells.

She said: 'I have never known so many shops to be closed in Wells as there has been over the last couple of weeks. We need to do what we can to give local businesses a boost.'

Mrs Ward suggested that the council put up a map in the centre of the town directing people to businesses and attractions.

She said: 'Some people just seem to walk along Staithe Street and the Quayside and the east side of the town gets neglected. It would be good to encourage people to use other parts of the town.'

The suggestion is to be discussed at the council's next meeting, next month.