[caption id="attachment_21320" align="alignright" width="300"] Forge Garage site[/caption]
A family-run garage in Kidlington faces an ‘uncertain’ future, after the Oxfordshire County Council announced plans to build six new homes over its premises in an area known to be difficult to re-site businesses.
The Forge Garage has been repairing and servicing vehicles in the village for more than six decades and was established by Fred Beckley of whom was a technician for the RAF in Burma during the Second World War. Now in its third generation, Beckley’s son Alun and grandson Mark are at the helm and have said they’ll continue business as normal despite these challenging times.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail newspaper, Alun said: “We’re not sure what is happening, but we will carry on for as long as he we can”. Readers online have also commented on the newspaper’s article expressing their concerns and support for the workshop. One person under the username, ‘Vocman’ said: “They may have difficulty relocating. I understand many industrial estates refuse to let to ‘mucky’ enterprises such as motor mechanics.”
Meanwhile another user called ‘RJ’, wrote: “That’s rough. I had assumed there was a buyout, no idea the garage was on tenterhooks waiting to see what would happen. I hope any development allows them to keep going or find a better site. Best of luck, gentlemen.”
The firm may have a reprieve as the council had planned to use the now-defunct construction firm Carillion.
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