By Sarah ChambersA VILLAGE petrol station is set to close at the end of this month, bringing an era to an end.Crisp's Paramount petrol forecourt in Knodishall, near Leiston, has been in operation for about the past 60 years, but the service will come to an end on Monday.

By Sarah Chambers

A VILLAGE petrol station is set to close at the end of this month, bringing an era to an end.

Crisp's Paramount petrol forecourt in Knodishall, near Leiston, has been in operation for about the past 60 years, but the service will come to an end on Monday.

Petrol station owner Bob Smith took the decision to close the forecourt, which offers old-fashioned service with an attendant, after learning it would cost about £45,000 to buy new equipment.

He was hit by a major problem when one of his underground storage tanks developed a leak caused by microbial induced corrosion.

Mr Smith said renewing the equipment was not financially viable and added: “Our last day of petrol sales is on Monday - it's a shame. I have been here 28 years.”

Following the leak, major remedial environmental work was carried out, largely funded by his insurers, which involved ensuring no pollution entered the watercourse.

However, the rest of the garage operation, which includes car sales and repairs, will continue.

“It's obviously a sad day for the village. It has been a real worry actually because for a while we didn't know whether we would be covered or not, although we have got a comprehensive policy,” said Mr Smith.

He added ensuring there were no future problems would involve a huge investment.

“It's the worry of it. The only way to go forward now would be to put in double-skinned tanks,” said Mr Smith.

sarah.chambers@eadt.co.uk