YEARS of speculation about upgrading Bedford’s local petrol station ended last week when piles of gravel and sand were unloaded in the parking lot.
Surveyor Anthony King and his assistant were seen with a theodolite, taking levels around the premises. Owner Wolfgang Gaiser confirmed on Monday that “it is now happening”.
Plans had been submitted to the council several weeks before and a couple of officials had called round to inspect the site.
If all goes according to plan, Modern Service Station will boast a new driveway, canopy and pumps by the end of the year.
More important, massive new underground storage tanks will also be installed. The biggest part of the job is removing the existing underground tanks, which have been in place for more than 25 years. They could now present a possible safety hazard.
Three new tanks will be installed: one with a 30 000 litre capacity and two 23 000 litre tanks.
Wolfgang Gaiser said he hoped he would be able to drive the process efficiently – he is a qualified civil engineer.
The promised facelift for the business will help increase community pride in the village.
The petrol station (the only one in Bedford) is open 24/7 and the friendly forecourt attendants serve as smiling ambassadors for the district, helping to direct tourists, travellers and couriers.
Gaiser assured Mid-Karoo Express that the forecourt staff would remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
