Blackburn & Darwen Motorway Services: A History

Motorway service areas are often seen as utilitarian stops, places to refuel, grab a bite, and stretch your legs. However, some service areas possess a richer history than others, intertwined with local development, naming disputes, and evolving retail landscapes. The M65 service area near Blackburn and Darwen is one such location, a place that has seen significant changes since its inception, reflecting broader trends in the motorway service industry and local identity.

The Genesis of a Service Area

The journey of the M65 service area began in the early 1990s, with initial considerations for a new facility dating back to a 1991 document mentioning "Blackburn S". The M65 motorway itself opened in 1997, but the service area's development was a more protracted affair. As the Department of Transport stepped back from direct involvement in service area planning in 1992, private companies took the lead in proposing new sites. Several locations were considered, including sites near Preston and a plan by Antler Project Management Ltd north of M65 J5. The M65 was designed to encourage new development, ensuring a plentiful supply of feasible locations.

A significant proposal came from Shaftesbury Commercial Properties Ltd in 1991, outlining a comprehensive development near Oakencroft Farm, referred to as Earcroft. This plan, which included business, industry, restaurants, a hotel, housing, and a petrol station, received approval by 1995. Crucially, the Department of Transport acknowledged it as a potential motorway service area, designated as 'Blackburn South services'. Its location, nestled within an industrial estate and not directly bordering the motorway, represented a more flexible interpretation of a motorway service area's requirements.

From Blackburn Interchange to Blackburn Services

Petromar Plc advanced the 'Blackburn South' proposal in 1999, initially using the promotional name 'Blackburn Interchange'. This name was more focused on attracting development to the surrounding land. The following year, in consultation with the Highways Agency and advice from a consultancy service, a final name was agreed: 'Blackburn services'. The service area officially opened in 2002. At this time, the BP forecourt and shop were managed by Margram, and it featured a substantial McDonald's restaurant, advertised as the site operator. Notably, a Little Chef restaurant was also present, promoted as a replacement for the Samlesbury branch, which was deemed too small.

The 'Blackburn with Darwen' Naming Controversy

Shortly after its opening, the service area became the subject of a significant local dispute concerning its name. The M65 motorway serves as the boundary between Blackburn and Darwen, and the new service area was situated slightly on the Darwen side. The majority of the staff recruited for the facility were from Darwen, and they raised concerns with Margram that the name 'Blackburn services' was inappropriate. The Highways Agency initially appeared hesitant to alter the name. In response, staff initiated a customer petition that garnered 1,000 signatures.

The issue escalated to Parliament in July 2003, with six MPs tabling a motion that described the situation as "outrageous" and a "denial of the wishes of the people of Darwen". By this point, Margram's operations had been sold to Extra. Extra initially maintained the 'Blackburn services' name, citing its greater recognisability for long-distance travellers. This stance ignited further campaigning by angry councillors in Darwen. Eventually, Extra relented, agreeing to a name change to 'Blackburn with Darwen services'. This new designation acknowledged both towns and aligned with the local council's name, thereby avoiding accusations of bias. Extra also committed to promoting Darwen within the service area building. However, local Darwen councillors remained dissatisfied, expressing that "people feel that their individuality is being taken away".

By the end of 2003, the internal signage within the building was updated to 'Blackburn with Darwen'. However, the road signs proved more challenging to amend due to disagreements over the cost of manufacturing the necessary patches. In 2005, the motorway signs were conspicuously covered up, with the original name still visible beneath the patches.

Evolution of Brands and Facilities

The service area has seen numerous brand changes and facility updates over the years. By 2008, Extra signage was prominent on the site, and in line with Extra's network-wide strategy, the BP forecourt transitioned to Shell. On 6 November 2012, Moto introduced Greggs and Costa Coffee units, replacing a previous retail outlet. The main service area building, which previously housed a full-sized Somerfield Essentials supermarket (in addition to a Somerfield store on the forecourt), underwent further transformations. Following the Somerfield merger in 2009, it was rebranded to Co-op Food. Subsequently, in 2016, it was replaced by Budgens after a corporate sale. Budgens ceased trading on 27 February 2017 due to the franchisee's bankruptcy. A vacant unit was then leased by a franchised discount retailer, Family Shopper, in 2018, but this also closed in February 2019 due to financial difficulties.

The Chopstix Noodle Bar experienced a closure during the Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, eventually reopening on 2 December 2021, marking it as the last Chopstix unit to resume operations post-lockdown. The kiosk itself received a refresh in the summer of 2023, representing the first significant investment in the site by an operator in several years.

Current Facilities and Offerings

Today, the M65 Blackburn with Darwen service area is a comprehensive facility catering to a wide range of traveller needs. The site, located at M65 J4 and accessible from the A666, is signposted from the road. Its postcode is BB3 0DB.

Catering and Retail

• Costa Coffee
• Chopstix Noodle Bar
• Greggs
• McDonald's Drive Thru

Shops

Currently, there are no dedicated retail shops within the main building.

Amenities

• Travelodge
• Meeting Room & Special Needs Room
• Quicksilver
• Showers

Outdoor Space

• Grass verges
• Picnic Tables
• Public footpath connections

Electric Vehicle Charging

• GRIDSERVE Electric Highway: 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2
• IONITY: 350kW CCS

Forecourt Facilities

• Shell
• Select
• Deli by Shell
• Costa Express
• Car Wash
• Jet Wash
• Free Cash Machine

Parking Information

Parking at the M65 service area has a tiered pricing structure:

Important Note: No return within the remaining 24-hour period is permitted. Payments can be made at machines in the food court using GBP, EUR, or fuel cards. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) can also pay via SNAP using location code 5191. All information is provided by third parties, and it is advisable to verify details with on-site staff.

Visitor Feedback and Additional Information

Visitors can share their experiences and provide feedback through the CommentBox app. The views expressed are those of individual contributors, and user accounts are managed by CommentBox.io to prevent spam. While companies are invited to check their feedback, participation is not mandatory.

What happened to Little Chef in Blackburn & Darwen? The Little Chef restaurant at this service area was a notable feature when it opened in 2002, intended as a replacement for the smaller Samlesbury branch. However, like many Little Chef locations across the UK, it has since closed down as the brand declined in popularity and faced financial challenges. The service area has since been updated with other catering options.

What are red routes in Blackburn & Darwen? Red routes, as mentioned in the context of Blackburn & Darwen, are designated routes on highways aimed at improving safety and reducing journey times. They are identifiable by specific red no-stopping lines marked on the road and accompanying signage along the route. This information is separate from the service area's history but pertains to local road infrastructure.

Conclusion

The M65 Blackburn with Darwen service area is more than just a stop on a journey; it's a site with a documented history of planning, local identity struggles, and adaptation to changing consumer demands and brand landscapes. From its initial conception to the resolution of its naming controversy and the continuous evolution of its facilities, it offers a compelling case study in the development of modern motorway services.