PRUDHOE’S main petrol station has closed until November to allow a refurbishment project to take place.

Customers will have to go elsewhere for their petrol as the Co-op on Front Street in Prudhoe has temporarily closed its petrol forecourt.

It is not due to reopen for another four months while work is ongoing.

Meanwhile the store itself will close on August 27 and also reopen in November.

The closures are taking place to allow for a complete refurbishment of the site, which sits near Prudhoe Waterworld.

The work to improve the store and petrol forecourt includes the installation of new fuel tanks, pumps, a new canopy, resurfacing of the car park and a complete refurbishment of the store.

The changes will represent a £1.5m investment in the site.

The closest petrol stations for residents are at Glendinning Bros on Princess Way and in Crawcrook to the east and Stocksfield to the west.

The Co-op petrol station is the most central fuel stop in Prudhoe, and usually stays open until 10pm.

Officials at the Co-op said the work would “greatly improve” the store and petrol forecourt.

Mark Stephens, retail project manager for the Co-op, said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure will cause, but we believe that residents and shoppers will really appreciate the new petrol forecourt and store when they reopen.

“The work represents a huge investment from the Co-op in to Prudhoe, and highlights our commitment to continue serving and supporting the local community.”

The store was also closed temporarily on Monday and Tuesday this week to allow for preparatory work in advance of the store refurbishment to take place.

The Co-op food store on Oakfield Terrace will provide an alternative for groceries.