PLANS to axe a community petrol station in Lower Swanwick have been met with outrage from local residents.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against the decision to shut down the Star Swanwick garage and shop in Bridge Road because they say it is the "hub of the community".

Texaco bosses confirmed the station must go after supermarket chain Somerfield rejected it in their takeover plans for more than 100 Texaco garages in the south.

Residents say they will have to walk more than a mile to the next garage at Tesco in Bursledon to pick up their papers or a pint of milk because the popular garage runs the only shop close to their homes.

Malcolm Brook, 51, of Warsash, said: "I will be absolutely gutted if they close the garage, it's more than just a filling station. It's easy to access and the staff are always friendly."

While 29-year-old Darren Rodgers, who works nearby, said: "It shouldn't be allowed. The station is in a busy route. It's one of the few places we can get anything round here."

Swanwick Post Office, which is situated in Old Swanwick Lane less than 50 yards from the garage, also sells groceries, cigarettes and papers but is not open late at night or on Sundays whereas the Texaco garage is open from 6am until 10pm seven days a week.

Ward councillor Sean Woodward said it was sad the garage was closing: "I used to live in Lower Swanwick and recognise that it is a well-used garage. A number of businesses have been run on that site for the last 100 years."

He added: "I don't know what the site will be used for in future. All we can do is react to any planning applications."

Texaco said intense competition and high costs in the UK fuel business had led to their decision to exit the trade - though they will still supply fuel to more than 1,000 service stations across the country.

A spokesman for the company said: "Regrettably Star Swanwick service station is due to close and will be sold for alternative use. We cannot give a confirmed date of closure. We will do everything we can to assist members of staff with alternative employment. The decision was not taken lightly."

Somerfield declined to comment.