Petrol station to shut

Brian Hossack • Published 6 Jul 2011 12:00 43 Comments

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A PORT Glasgow petrol station is to close - threatening a number of local jobs.

The Clydeport Esso in Glasgow Road will be shut down in September after a recent decision by parent company ExxonMobil.

The station, which has served customers since the early 80s, currently employees eight people who will be affected by the closure plans.

The company has claimed it will attempt to minimise the number of redundancies by offering workers alternative jobs at other Esso-operated sites.

A spokesperson for Esso said that the company had carefully reviewed the business before taking the decision to close the station.

They added: "Esso continuously monitors and reviews the individual performance and profitability of each of its sites against various economic indicators.

"Unfortunately, when sites are no longer financially viable, such as in the case of the Esso Clydeport service station, the regrettable decision is taken to close the site.

"We value our employees and will be seeking to minimise the number of redundancies at the site through redeployment to other Esso-operated sites."

Esso also said that a decision on any new use of the site was still to be reached, adding: "The site is expected to close at the end of September and no decision has yet been taken as to what the future use will be."

One customer told the Tele how saddened she was to hear the station was closing.

She said: "I was in filling up the other night and everyone is scared they are losing their jobs and that there is nothing anyone can do to stop this happening.

"They have been told the company has made their decision and that is that.

"The garage was handy for anyone heading out of Inverclyde and it is a shame to see it go and to see more jobs lost in the area.

"I suppose with a big supermarket across the road they always faced an uphill battle to stay afloat."

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 06 Jul 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

tommyspanner
4 posts
Jul 6, 12:48
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was usually better value at the pumps than greedy tesco,s too!! just another victim, of the dumbing down and de skilling society, and another legacy of it.

Recommend? Yes 20 No 2
impartial
169 posts
Jul 6, 12:49
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March of the supermarkets goes on but Esso wont lose out. Tescos don't produce oil or refine it they will still need to buy it from the suppliers. Sadly, the only people who lose out are the employees of the Esso petrol station and the people of Inverclyde who don't have regular oppertunities to fill up outwith the area. Watch the existing 5 pence per litre difference between Inverclyde and the rest of the central belt increase and see how infrequent the supermarkets 5p off petrol offer become without the competition aross the road.

Recommend? Yes 34 No 1
askelvis
456 posts
Jul 6, 15:27
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Tesco win again

Recommend? Yes 22 No 2
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 6, 16:54
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I am disgusted.

Recommend? Yes 13 No 2
WeeJockW
676 posts
Jul 6, 17:31
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And they call this sort of thing progress.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 1
maccaboy
15 posts
Jul 6, 18:47
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Personally I don't buy my diesel localy as, as someone said above, it's often 3, 4 or 5 pence a litre cheaper as nearby as Renfrew and it's no hassle to fill up there as I'm passing anyway. Don't suppose that helped the Esso station, but having said that if they'd undercut the supermarkets they'd have sold more fuel.

By the way, according to the article that filling station has been there since the early 80s, but I can remember using in in the early 70s.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 0
neildavid
29 posts
Jul 6, 18:58
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Now would be the right time to ask Alex Hamond, his opinion of Rab-bi MacMurdocd. after all when i rang his office after the SNP hossed in, in the may election, spoke to Judy, i said, 'you had a clean sweep, how did you do it', she replyed, 'we got the votes', 'i know you did' said i, 'you must have ran some campaign', said i, 'not really' says Judy, 'well there must have been some media or news paper helped' said i, 'no, not really just the SUN'. i sure Rab-bi MacMurdoch payed a visit to Scotland, before the may election, but i dont beleave it was for a bag of chips in Greenock. DD.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 6
Serotonic
1 post
Jul 6, 19:27
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Is swearing ok on this page? As I don't think I can comment on this issue without a few bad words eh!

Recommend? Yes 5 No 1
ECCOSAIS
127 posts
Jul 6, 19:53
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I am really sorry that this garage is closing down :-(

Last week I had the opportunity to meet some of the staff who were very kind and raised £117 as donation for Petsearch/Inverclyde Animal Rescue. This donation meant a lot to me, and will help to pay off part of the vets bill I was left with after helping out an old man on and off for over 7 years when he was hospitalised. Unfortunately the little dog had to be pts, and the sister PROMISED to pay the bill! which she was sent out and then refused to pay! Is it any wonder I prefer animals! Her brother will be turning in his grave!

Recommend? Yes 10 No 1
Expatriot
120 posts
Jul 6, 21:55
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Sorry to see this closing, hopefully the site won't be left to become an eyesore as the surrounding area with the Comet, civic square Coronation park and walkway had smartened the area up quite a bit. By the way, the petrol station has been there since the original re-routing of the A8 in the late 60s. Used to have a Little Chef beside it in the 70s.

Recommend? Yes 6 No 1
Idoubtit
132 posts
Jul 6, 22:02
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Tesco strikes again.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 2
StuartH
47 posts
Jul 6, 23:29
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Asda diesel was 133.9 tonight,Tesco 137.9

4p a litre is a lot if you are filling a large tank...

Tesco just lost another sale today !

Recommend? Yes 15 No 1
Stephen4
39 posts
Jul 7, 01:59
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This has actually made me cry as I have supported and will continue to support this filling station until the end and within the fifteen years have got to know all the girls that work there and if I could I swear I would offer them a job.

I am disgusted to see a large supermarket upto their devious tactics once again, so this makes regent street in greenock the last petrol station standing, for how long?

You can be rest assured that fuel will now go up even higher within the area as every little helps!

It's the old saying of "use it or lose it" and not enough people used it, this is sad.

I for one will NEVER use tesco petrol in any of my engines and will now either go to regent street or erskine or paisley, isn't it sad and this is just a prime example of what is happening in the name of so called progress with supermarkets taking over every town in every way they can, this activity must be capped right now.

Another business that will be sadly missed;-(((

Recommend? Yes 11 No 2
tallyman99
1 post
Jul 7, 03:51
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Well what can we say, it was on the cards, our councillors have let us down by letting Supermarkets monopolise nearly everything in Inverclyde. 2 large Tescos within such a short distance is a disgrace as there is no credible competition for them and they can sell their wares at whatever price they want. What would the chances be of an ASDA being built nearby - none because Tesco wouldnt allow our councillors to sanction that...thats my opinion anyway.

Recommend? Yes 9 No 3
gdsanders
59 posts
Jul 7, 07:56
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Why does everyone jump on Tesco......Morrisons just as bad. Their Greenock station selling petrol 4p more than at their store at Anniesland in Glasgow but still matches Tesco high costs in Greenock . Esso are a massive company and could easily have subsidised the Port Glasgow station but they chose not to as they were also making money just did not have the volume of the supermarkets. The issue could be a starter for our new MP...also the Telegraph could help by running a campaign encourgaging people into anytime when passing fill up their petrol at Sainsbury Braehead or Asda in Govan or Linwood at a very considerable saving

Recommend? Yes 7 No 4
hayfever
10 posts
Jul 7, 08:10
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Maybe they should have had a better choice of pasties, pies, and other hot goods?

Recommend? Yes 2 No 10
alzamcg
1 post
Jul 7, 11:29
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There was a rumour that a certain supermarket was buying the Esso garage. Not sure if its true of false.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 1
jimmackie
14 posts
Jul 7, 12:40
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as a scot living in hull, i have seen what the supermarkets are doing to the petrol stations. its been like that for a number of years down here,withinn five years the only place you will be able to fill up will be supermarkets, the petrol stations will all be gone.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
Graeme40
10 posts
Jul 7, 12:44
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McCabe back as council leade and Iain Mackenzie a new MP and what a start 19 Jobs gone in their first week......Great start boy's..... whats next... total unemployment for Inverclyde.....

Recommend? Yes 12 No 2
gdsanders
59 posts
Jul 7, 13:02
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To blame McCabe and/or mcKenzie for these unfortunate redundancies is just pathetic

Recommend? Yes 6 No 8
shazaad30
1 post
Jul 7, 14:47
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Something else in history gone - so whats else is new?

Recommend? Yes 5 No 0
Katie51
4 posts
Jul 7, 16:28
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Obviously the Esso/Exxon folk have never passed this station at rush hour - usually pretty full.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 1
brianthelion
20 posts
Jul 7, 18:50
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It's obvious to lay the blame at Tesco's door with this one!!!!

I hear Tesco have been given the green light to build a new store in Linwood, just so happens to be right next to the Shell garage! Hope the same thing doesn't happen there too!!! Also, can someone please tell me how Tesco seem to be the only company that can pretty much do what they like? Sainsburys wanted to build a local shop in Gourock, and in Greenock not so long ago... but not allowed due to "complaints" etc.. yet Tesco can have two Extra stores within 2 miles of each other in Greenock & Port Glasgow, and now they're also allowed to tread all over Asda's turf by building a store in Linwood and also one on the site of St Mirrens old ground, despite also having stores already in Renfrew and one near Barshaw Park....

Someone stop them before they ruin everything for everybody!!

Recommend? Yes 10 No 0
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 7, 21:40
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I fear that I feel very, very sad about this dreadful story. How brave the wee souls in this little place have always tried to be in struggling on against the pernicious giant that is Tesco Port Glasgow. Like Stephen McGlone, I have studiously avoided paying Tesco any premium they might want to visit upon my car and those of my business and employees. Local businesses need and should have our support unless they are rogue.

This place was one last little shimmer of competition in the fuel cartel that is Inverclyde as ruled by Morrisco. Don't expect Morrisons or Tesco Greenock to give you a discount now, expect our fuel to be at the, 'national average'. ie., the MAX!

Gdsansders...do you think that your mortician pal might make this subject one of his first questions? Na, he'll ask what he is told to ask..the usual, 'weasel words'.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 0
saltire2
1 post
Jul 7, 22:03
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That station was there in the 70,s.

Recommend? Yes 5 No 0
brianthelion
20 posts
Jul 7, 23:17
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Tiddles... hopefully The remaining existence of BP in regent street and on Inverkip Rd will at least keep the Greenock prices competitive... but I have to agree... I think its only a matter of time before we see Wemyss Bay prices sneaking into the pumps...

As someone that lives in Upper Port Glasgow I know now which way Ill be heading when I get in my car and its not going to be west...!

Its a sorry state of affairs when Im now going to have to class the Bridge of Weir as my local petrol station!

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
alwood
30 posts
Jul 8, 00:37
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This is just a typical example of what the power of supermarkets are doing and it's not just petrol stations, it's everything, they want it all, Thats why I am so strong about not letting anymore supermarkets into any town in any shape or form, if you want answers, have a look at the towns petrol stations first, they were no doubt the quickest to disapear.

The usual reply from the GIANTS are, and a faceless spokesperson are:

Creating jobs.

Bringing more trade to the town.

Helping everyone.

New jobs.

Helping current shops.

Every little helps.

Helping you save money every day.

bla bla bla.

Same old Same old!

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
gdsanders
59 posts
Jul 8, 07:47
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Is it not odd most comments anti Tesco...not sure why Morrisons miss out as they are as bad but when Sainsbury talks about coming into the area that too meets with opposition.

Tiddles yes would like to think either McKenzie and/or McNeil would take on the petrol cartel in Greenock....will it happen... probably not....would it have happened if the SNP candidate had won....probably not.....this part of the reason only 45% of eligible people bothered to vote last week

Recommend? Yes 8 No 2
johnza
2 posts
Jul 9, 10:48
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ASDA Govan....£1.27 ltr....enough said

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
anapuglisi
1 post
Jul 10, 08:37
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There have been a lot of supply problems at this petrol station in the past (signs saying no unleaded at pumps etc) and I wonder if this has had a factor in it's closing? It is a common belief that branded petrol is better quality than supermarket petrol and there are few branded stations left in the area now.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 1
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 10, 16:51
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Apart from the competitive pricing, I liked the Esso place because at least the staff spoke to you unlike in Tesco where they talk over you to their chums. In Morrisons there is always a queue and one of the assistants always seems to have something other than serving customers to do.

Gdsanders, I have no experience of having an SNP MP but I have plenty of experience with Labour ones and they have NEVER impressed me.

Recommend? Yes 5 No 0
thewean
12 posts
Jul 10, 19:37
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Maybe Tesco has bought over this site and are keeping it hush hush, the local councils seem to favor Tesco allowing them 2 huge stores in Inverclyde and the theft of what was free parking where the Greenock Tesco Petrol Station now sits.

Lets see the council grab Esso/Roc UK by the short and curly s and stand up for trhe Local People for a change instead of looking after themselves

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
Stephen4
39 posts
Jul 10, 20:57
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Tiddles, you have a great outlook on facts, I salute you and want to buy you a beer or two, so let me know when you have time! You know where to find me! And to thewean, this wouldn't surprise me as they allready own thousands of sq ft of land if not, millions!

Please remember that it's not just tesco that are upto this calous activity!

Just google the big four supermarkets.

Recommend? Yes 6 No 0
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 11, 12:27
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Bless you Stephen for your kind comments, I might just take you up on your kind offer some day! Thewean, you might very well be on to something here.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
AnnieH
2 posts
Jul 11, 18:43
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I can understand you all having a big hit on Tesco but the basic facts are that no business can keep its doors open when they are not making sufficient profit. Esso/ExxonMobil (the giant!) are massive (and global) and equally cut-throat when it comes to profit margins. This is why the Esso petrol station is closing. Sad for all concerned.

@anapuglisi: all petrol/diesel supplied to all petrol stations across the entire UK all come from UK refineries. There is no difference in the octane/quality whatsoever. The only thing that's different between the individual petrol stations and the Supermarkets is the turnover. Businesses like Tesco, Asda et etc have such a high volume, they can buy it cheaper. Esso probably supply Tesco!

Sad for all of you. I also remember when there was a little chef there!

Recommend? Yes 2 No 1
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 11, 20:56
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The bottom line is that the Council should NEVER have given Tesco permission to build a petrol station right next to an established one.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 1
AnnieH
2 posts
Jul 11, 21:54
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I disagree Tiddles. Look at the number of people Tesco employ and then look at the number of employees the Esso petrol station has? Look at the tax (local & national) Tesco has to pay. It's all numbers and politics. The giant always wins. x

Recommend? Yes 0 No 2
alwood
30 posts
Jul 12, 01:40
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AnnieH,

Thats not entirely true although I like your ideas,

Tesco find far too many loopholes and will evade the vat and taxes where possible, leaving us to pick up the tab to the loss of the government.

It doesn't matter where you look, tesco, sainburys, morrisons, asda and other large companies will have dozens of different registered offices in different places under different names and a favourite place is jersey and before you say, "ah, thats business", it is not, it's cheating and it's costing us all very dear.

Go into limited compant search, it's free and type in supermarket names, (they are all doing it) and you will find many different names for the same company, then ask yourself why.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
lcoyle
2 posts
Jul 12, 09:20
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First off I am sorry the staff at esso may lose their jobs. As for this blaming tesco for the closure business all I can say is get a grip, its the petrol buying public who choose to buy their petrol at Tesco instead of esso. Tesco don't make you spend your money In their store you choose to spend it there, if anyone is to blame.its everyone who opted to go to tesco instead of esso.The esso garage is more extensive in general and in the current financial climate the public do go for value for money.

Recommend? Yes 0 No 3
Tiddles
1077 posts
Jul 13, 13:38
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@Icoyle

It's the old, 'one stop shop' thing, you pop into Tesco for the usual stuff and need petrol, rather than dragging yourself across the road, it is easier just to pop into the Tesco pumps. I think that is an unfair advantage given that quite often, the Esso station has been cheaper. I'll say it again, Tesco should never have been allowed to open a petrol station adjacent to an existing one and I can only guess why this was allowed to happen.

For the record, I have only once or perhaps twice used this place for fuel and on each occasion, I have found it wanting.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 0
Cheekymiddens
5 posts
Jul 13, 13:49
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Sorry to hear this news, my sister and I both worked for Jim Noble and family in both Cyldeport and Inverclyde (Bogston) in the mid 90's. Had some good times there as staff and customers were always friendly.

Sorry to see it go as it is the end of an era and I feel sorry for the current staff.

Recommend? Yes 2 No 0
Stephen4
39 posts
Jul 14, 04:14
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@Cheekymiddens

Thats a blast from the past! wasn't it just so refreshing to have local people run these petrol stations, an era that will sadly be missed.

Soon I will have to resort to regent street petrol station which is the last one in inverclyde or erskine or paisley, it's nothing to do with the price for me but the sheer principle.

If I could buy the port glasgow petrol station to keep the doors open and staff in a job, I would.

Just wait for the place to close, then you will see the cement lorries come to fill up where the tanks once lay, this will be to make sure that it never re opens as a petrol station, all too familiar.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 0
wallace1297
117 posts
Jul 17, 18:35
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It is a real shame that the Esso garage is to close. When it closes it will mean that Tesco has no competition in Port Glasgow as it will be the only petrol station in the town. It was not that many years ago that there used to be four petrol stations in Port Glasgow. A real shame, even more so for the staff who have worked there for many years and will now lose their jobs.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0

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