Twenty-four jobs will be lost at the site along with the loss of 160 lorry parking spaces.
In The Government’s National Survey of Lorry Parking 2022, one of the biggest worries drivers cited was the lack of parking spaces available.
Recently the Park had been forced to close on weekends because of staff shortages after the site was put up for sale. The owners were reported to have stated that they would favour someone who wished to keep the site as a lorry park if they matched the existing offer. Lockerbie Lorry Park Bar Manager, Lisa Twiname said: “We get regular customers week in, week out.
“We would like to thank them for the custom over the years.”
The 30 day consultation period ended on October 6 and the staff were told the confirmation of the closure on the following Friday.
Customers took to social media to offer their sympathies to the staff and disappointment at the loss of yet another secure lorry parking facility.
One customer said: “Sorry to hear this. Always had a pleasant stay with good food and friendly service. Wishing you all the very best in the future.”
While another added: “Thank you for the service over the years, one of the best truckstops in the UK, but this whole thing of selling truckstops needs to end, there isn’t enough of them as it is.”
A spokesperson for James Jones and Sons has confirmed that they have commenced discussions to purchase the land at Lockerbie Lorry Park.
Meanwhile, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has stated that truck drivers deserve better roadside provision for their rest breaks in many parts of the country.
He has joined a group of fellow MPs in campaigning for improved facilities, including increased secure truck parking spaces.
Mr Mundell has co-signed a letter urging ministers to work with the haulage industry to deliver the improvements put forward in a UK Government policy paper ‘Future of Freight,’ published earlier this year.
The long-term proposals are also aimed at helping overcome a serious shortage of lorry drivers within the UK. The cross-party group’s letter calls on the Government to establish a cross-departmental taskforce to review existing driver facilities and work with the industry, operators and local authorities on viable long-term solutions; reform the existing planning framework, working with local authorities to ensure that appropriate parking plans are developed; commit to increased funding for roadside facilities, looking at both quantity and quality.
Mr Mundell said: “I know the important work done and ongoing challenges faced by haulage businesses and drivers in my constituency and witnessed their remarkable contribution in difficult circumstances during the pandemic.
“I’ve also visited some of the excellent facilities for lorry drivers provided locally by Graham Eardley and Mhairi Harvey and their team at the Ecclefechan truck stop complex.
“They have continued to do their utmost to assist drivers throughout the health emergency and, as international hauliers themselves, know first-hand the challenges facing the industry
“Their operation is an example of what is needed in many places across the national roads network and on some other lengthy stretches of major routes in our own region.”
