Belgians force out truckstop Severn Trent
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A TRUCKSTOP USED by drivers at Dartford International Ferry Terminal is being forced to shut by Belgian shipping firm Cobelfret.
The Quayside Cafe offers showers, toilets and overnight parking for up to 50 units. It has been on its current site for three years, but now its owners have been told they have to get out by September.
Ferry company Dartline, which previously owned the land, was taken over earlier this year by Cobelfret, which also owns a terminal at nearby Purfleet, Cafe owner Paul Gibbons says that Cobelfret has not given a reason for evicting him:-I their land and they don't have to give a reason. But we're just looking for somewhere else to site it at the moment." Gibbons' wife Danielle, who cooks at the cafe, adds:"It's so sad for the drivers. We've been providing somewhere for them to relax and they are no longer allowed to do that."
It means that the nearest truckstop is at West Thurrock on the other side of the Dartford crossing which costs £2.90.
Geoff Harknett, who runs local Erith-based haulier RJ Transport, says: -It's a disaster. Anybody who uses Dartford docks needs it.
"Where else arc we supposed to wait or get anything to eat or drink when we're waiting four hours to load?" he asks.
Harknett adds that there is a similar lack of facilities at Purfleet.
No one from Cobelfret was available for comment.