The service stations either side of the A40, known as Raglan Services, closed on Monday (24th September).

Originally built by Lowthers, it was taken over by Granada as part of their grand expansion.

The site has changed hands a number of times, but the Beacon understands that it is presently owned by Shell and run by Wikkles Ltd of Norfolk.

The east-bound site had a Burger King, a coffee outlet and Little Chef as well as toilet and washing facilities for lorry drivers.

Staff were told on the previous Thursday and up to 50 have been made redundant.

Petrol had not been available for some time at the pumps and at one time, newspapers were not for sale.

The Travelodge on the east-bound site is staying open, but it is rumoured to be one of the 49 Travelodges around the country up for sale through the company voluntary arrangement whereby the chain will offload one in 10 of its 500 hotels to other operators and benefit from lower rent at a further 109 sites.