Winton service station reopens after 10 months dormant

The roadhouse was closed in August last year after BP, the then-lessees, claimed the fuel system for some products had been inoperable for some time.

Winton mayor Gavin Baskett said at the time he understood water had entered the ULP tanks during a 2016 rain event.

Owner, Peter Britton responded that it had been BP's choice to shut, saying he'd been told they were losing money but a BP spokeswoman said the company had not been able to find an acceptable solution to continue operating at the location.

Related: Shutting up shop

Manager Amanda McAuley, daughter of owners Peter and Carol Britton, said the business had new underground tanks, new fuel dispensers, and new kitchen equipment.

The cost of the work wasn't disclosed.

"We took the opportunity to touch a lot of things up," Ms McAuley said, adding that the reopening had employed eight local people.

She said they had been 'flat out' since opening the doors, so much so they'd had to employ an extra person to meet the demand.

"Peter and Carol have lived at Winton for a considerable time and owned the service station since 2000," she said. "We all feel this will be good for the town and gets money recirculating more."

While emphasising that its location meant it was easy for vans to access, Ms McAuley acknowledged that truckies weren't using the meal facilities at this stage.

"Perhaps because of the time it was closed, they made other food arrangements," she said. "I hope the word spreads now that we're back open."