Garagewatch boss Mark Bradshaw has slammed local planning authorities which allowed the only petrol station in the town where he’s based, to be bulldozed for housing.

Shifnal in rural Shropshire has been home to Garagewatch HQ for the past four years and was serviced by a single independent forecourt. The Esso-branded site appeared to have everything going for it, with a car wash, jet wash and decent shop.

Bradshaw said: "I really can’t see why it couldn’t have been sold as a going concern. I don’t blame the former owner for wanting to make a profit, but it’s left a town of 5,600 people without a petrol station, unless they travel some distance to find one.

"The planners should have given it more thought before allowing a change of use. Normally when you see a site close it’s because it’s no longer viable. This site was in a prime location with little competition. There won’t be another one built in this town."