As most of you will be unaware, Seaton Tesco Fuel Station is due to be made 100% self service from 01/03/2021.

This means no cash can be used to pay for fuel.

Alongside this issue, 11 members of staff face losing their jobs (after a 12 week ‘see if we have space for you at the store’ probation period) - bearing in mind that as this is being written, there are NO VACANCIES for roles at the store. 

Some high-risk/elderly Seaton residents have in the past months been using the fuel station shop as a pick up/drop off point for essentials, without this these individuals now have to enter the large store putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Further to this, some residents with mobility issues that have been helped by the fuel station staff will now have to find a way to walk around the large store. 

Whilst this step would mean an increase of customers at other local fuel stations (which by all means should be supported either way - as as far as I am aware there are no plans to change accessibility), 11 families will lose out, a large number of residents will have to drastically change their routines in the midst of a pandemic and besides those things, we will no longer be able to use cash to pay for fuel. 

I am here to ask if those in Seaton and the surrounding areas will pull together to sign this petition, in the hopes that our voices can make a difference. 

I am here to ask those at Tesco, The Managing Directors, Tesco CEO and those involved in making the decision to develop Seaton Tesco Fuel Station, to re-evaluate their decision with the opinion of the community in mind, and to prove that ‘every little’, really helps.  

There is little benefit from the steps outlined to take place from the 1st of March this year, aside from what I can only assume is that this is a cost effective measure to save money, and is NOT in the best interest of our community. 

A potential argument would be that by doing this, there would be a decrease in the handling of money, meaning less chance of contamination from any viruses etc. A counter argument to that would be that in order to put fuel in your vehicle, you will be making contact with the pump; you can disinfect your notes etc at home, but you cannot guarantee the pump handles will be for you. 

Please use gloves where available if you feel they protect you, your own PPE is allowed on the forecourt. 

Cashless fuel stations may function and be effective in other areas, but in my own and the opinions of a number of locals already aware of this change, for Seaton, this is not a step in the right direction. 

Debate and discussion is more than welcome, as this is a community issue, and as such should be resolved by the community. 

Feel free to share to local groups/messenger/other means of communication.

Thank you.