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In London, a distinctive old petrol station forecourt has
bloomed into a florist. Another enjoyed a spell as an open air
cinema before closure and an expected renovation into commercial
property.
The overhaul opportunities have been created as more than 20,000
stations closed in the United Kingdom over the past 40 years,
according to the U.K.'s Petroleum Industry Association (PIC).
Almost 8,500 stations were left in Britain at the end of 2015,
with the PIC blaming the closures on strong competition and the
expense of complying with environmental regulations.
While large chain service stations, who carry lower overheads
per liter sold, have been better placed to survive, smaller,
independent outlets have tended to struggle.
At the old Black Cat Garage near Tiverton, in the south-west
English county of Devon, a rusting old pump can be seen outside
the small outlet where a closed sign hangs on the worn green
door.
Wider Image photo essay: http://reut.rs/2gDH8Ir
(Reporting by Toby Melville. Writing by Patrick Johnston in
London, editing by Larry King)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
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