Unite rule out Easter strike, but West Berkshire garages continue to run out of fuel

West Berkshire petrol stations are struggling to meet demand as motorists flock to their nearest garage to fill up their vehicles.
However, within the last hour the Unite union has confirmed that its fuel tanker drivers will not strike during the Easter holidays.
Unite assistant general secretary, Diana Holland, said: “We will not be calling Easter strike action as we focus on substantive talks through Acas. We do still retain the right to call strike action for after Easter should those talks breakdown
“It should be stressed that what we are seeking is reasonable and no more than what is in place elsewhere in the industry.”
BP in London Road, Newbury, has confirmed it run out of unleaded this morning, but more fuel will be available at 2.30pm.
Total garage in Andover Road, Wash Common, had been out of petrol and diesel since 8pm last night, but welcomed a delivery at 2pm today.
Shell garage in London Road, Newbury, had also sold out of all fuel this morning, but took a delivery this lunchtime.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s in Hector’s Way, Newbury, has run out of all fuel apart from super unleaded.
Staff at the Newbury branch say there are no more deliveries planned today (Friday).
Chieveley Motor Company in Long Lane, Cold Ash, also ran out of fuel at 12.30pm yesterday and had to wait for a delivery this morning.
Manager of the station, Johnny Brown said: “We’re still very busy, but we had a delivery this morning and I’m confident we’ll have enough fuel to get through the weekend. We also have another delivery on Monday morning.”
One of the few petrol stations not to run out of fuel in the last two days is Total garage in Bath Road, Hungerford, and according to staff the garage had a large delivery last night so did not expect to run out of fuel over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Newbury Buses has issued a statement today reassuring passengers that the company has sufficient fuel to cope with the demand.
Newbury Buses says it has enough fuel to last more than a week without deliveries, however its fuel contracts mean deliveries will take place even if a strike goes ahead.
Marketing Manager Jake Osman: “We will continue to provide our full network and expect to be able to do so for the foreseeable future. If anyone is worried about running out of petrol, why not save it for emergency journeys not covered by our network and hop on a bus?”
The government has been heavily criticised in recent days after Francis Maude advised motorists to fill up their tanks and jerry cans after news broke of a possible strike by fuel tanker drivers belonging to the union, Unite.
However, MP for Newbury and Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon has said he agrees the government’s advice.
He said: “I attended meetings about a year ago when the possibility of a strike was raised. My department (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) were very concerned about the possible impact on farmers and food producers.
“There has been an over reaction to a crisis that we do not have. The government was right to say there is no strike planned. I think the government’s advice was right to top up your cars if the situation demands.
“The government is working extremely hard in their talks with Unite. We’re at least ten days away from a strike, should it go ahead.”
Both the Thames Valley Police and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging West Berkshire motorists not to panic buy.
Head of Force Joint Operations Unit Chief Superintendant Chris Shead said: “Communities within Thames Valley can be assured that we have full contingency plans prepared and are in a position to respond to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum if strike action takes place.
“We also have plans in hand to ensure that if strikes occur, police and other emergency services and other critical local agencies can maintain their normal response service across the Thames Valley.”
If you have experienced problems at any garages, call our reporter James Williams on 01635 886633 or email him on james.williams@newburynews.co.uk
Also, you can send any photos of petrol pump queues to james.williams@newburynews.co.uk