I’m a service station expert – here is the worst location in the UK… it needs an urgent refresh
A DELIVERY driver who has visited nearly 500 service stations has given his verdict on the worst offering in the UK.
Rich James Ross, 25, has spent £10,000 fulfilling his unusual hobby of touring the roadside stops across Britain.
In total, the Tesco delivery driver has visited 95 of the country's motorway service stations and more than 400 A-road services and truck stops.
Having racked up more than 20,000 miles a year, Rich admits even his own family and friends believe he is "absolutely mad".
He named Rugby Services, M6, Stafford South Services, M6, Fleet Services, M3, Strensham Services, M5, and Lancaster, M6, as his top five service stations.
But Rich has now named the service station he believes to be at the very other end of the scale.
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He says Hartshead, located on the M62 between Huddersfield and Bradford, is the worst service station in the UK in his view.
Rich said: "Hartshead was ranked lowest in my opinion as it has separate facilities on either side of the M62 - Burger King on one side and KFC on the other - with an external footbridge which is open to the elements connecting both sides.
"They’re also one of the older sites on the motorway network having opened in 1973 - 50 years old this year.
"Service stations tend to score badly when they have poorly kept toilet and shower facilities as well as long queue and wait times at food outlets."
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Rich has been on the road for five years and says he now often gets recognised.
He added: "I came across Motorway Services Online way back in 2012 and became a big fan of the site, and when I finally had the chance to contribute, I knew had a chance to do something no one else has.
"I spend every Tuesday to Friday going county to county and visiting four to five services a day, although some days I'll spend it at one location if it stretches to both sides of the road.
"On average, it costs me £10,000 a year on fuel, accommodation, and food.
"My personal belief is that a service station must cater to everyone's needs."
Rich compared his hobby to trainspotting, but said his enjoyment of service stations is perhaps more unique.
Last year, The Sun revealed which motorway services have been voted the best and worst in the UK.
One petrol station owner also claimed to own the UK's most luxurious garage in November.
A spokesperson for Welcome Break, which operates Hartshead services, said: "We have been working closely with our teams to prioritise the refurbishment of our Hartshead Moor motorway service area.
"We have heavily invested in the site since the beginning of the year, whereby the toilets on both sides have been renovated, along with the forecourt toilets and showers.
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"Additionally, the KFC restaurant has also undergone a refit, with more investment scheduled over the next 12 months.
"We would welcome Rich to Hartshead Moor to see the newly finished facilities."