THE last independent petrol station in Bolton will close its doors today – after 68 years in business.

Wilkinson Brothers, which claims to be the only independent garage selling fuel in the town, has served thousands of customers since it opened in 1948 – when petrol was only 5p per litre.

Owner Roy Wilkinson took over the MOT garage in Adrian Road, from his father William and his uncle Bert, in 1972 and has been running it for six days a week ever since.

Mr Wilkinson, aged 69, who lives with his wife Christine, in Temple Drive, said he was sad to see the business close and had hoped someone could have carried it on.

He said: “I started working here when I was 17 years old as a mechanic in 1964, and took over after my father passed away in 1972. It’s always been a busy business but we’ve been running it down for the last two weeks ready to close.

“We’ve seen a depreciation in the value of fuel and the supermarkets have seen all the independent petrol stations off. All our customers are disappointed and a bit upset by the news, they wish someone could take it on.

“We’ve had people interested in buying the business but when it’s come to it, no one has. It’s my time to retire but I’m sad to see the end of the business. It’s been through two generations and we have built up so many loyal customers.”

Brian Aspinall, aged 79, of Wilmot Street, visited the garage to say goodbye to Mr Wilkinson and cashier, Dianne Eden, who has worked there for 16 years.

Mr Aspinall’s son Paul, started his first job, aged 16 as a mechanic at the station and worked there until he died in a road accident, aged 25. Mr Aspinall said: “I still walk past the garage and can hear Paul at work.

“I have lots of memories here. I grew up playing on the land behind the garage before they used to chase us off and we’d have to leap over the fence to get away. Then in 1959, I married my wife Jennie, she was 19 and I was 22.

“Roy’s dad drove us to the church in an old Austin Sheerline and I have a picture of us getting out the car with him holding the door.

“The business has been running since I can remember and it’s a real shame to see it go.”

Customer Pat Morran, who has been filling up at Wilkinsons for more than 10 years, said: “I’m distraught they’re closing.”