A promising new service area on the outskirts of Rutland is facing an unexpected hurdle, leading to a drop in customers and halting progress on highly anticipated additions. The recently opened Ram Jam Service, located conveniently off both the A1 and the B668, has seen a significant decrease in patronage after the owners of the adjacent petrol station blocked access from the major A1 artery, citing safety concerns. Residents from nearby villages are also unhappy, they can no longer access the petrol station.
The Ram Jam Service, which opened its doors to much local anticipation, offered a welcome stop for travelers and locals alike. Its strategic location, accessible from both the busy A1 and the more local B668, was seen as a major advantage. However, this accessibility has become a point of contention.
The petrol station, which shares an access point with the new service area from the A1, has reportedly closed off this route to Ram Jam customers. Siting safety concerns.
Motorists traveling along the A1, who would have previously made a quick stop via the petrol station access, are now forced to navigate via the B668, a less direct route, leading many to potentially bypass the services altogether.
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The repercussions extend beyond the existing businesses. Construction has ground to a halt on two highly anticipated additions to the site: Rutland's Second Costa Drive Thru and its first Greggs outlet. These developments, which promised to further enhance the appeal of the Ram Jam Service and create local jobs, are now in limbo due to the reduced customer flow and uncertainty surrounding future access.
The situation raises questions about the initial 2020 planning and agreements regarding access to the site. While the petrol station owners have a right to prioritise safety, the impact on the new service area and the wider community is significant.
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