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Tell us all about your experiences of this service area.
Tells me a lot about the quality of staff at your services.
oBet studios, Fri 21 Apr 2017
Darkest car park ever. Poorly signed for transport. Not clear which way to enter fuel station and no clear exit marked. I only knew which way to go by watching the trucks. Ran over a small traffic island that was badly lit on a rainy night. Inside the toilets are not verty clearly signed for those entrering from the car park side.
Patrick Ganley, Tue 12 Jan 2016
Load of rubbish, yes the subway is halal. But if it was anything to do with religios belief do you think they would have a burger king or even sell ham sandwiches in the spar store. Duh think before u jump to conclusions and make everything about typical pathetic "oh britain helped make this company great" Seriously some people really need to think before gobbing off. Its got nothing to do with euro garages religious belief They sell ham sandwiches they sell BLT sandwiches they have Burger kings they have gambling machines. So dont you think its a bit stupid to sugest its religious belief.
Mark, Wed 28 Oct 2015
As a coach driver I stopped to have a break all other services give the drivers a meal and drink some even give a credit for bringing a coach full of passengers. No not hear so boycott this service station.
stephen, Sun 4 Oct 2015
The price for super unleaded fuel is £1.569 per litre here!!!!! It is daylight robbery.
Ian, Tue 18 Aug 2015
I was on my way home in the torrential fain in May i stopped off at the services to wait until the rain had stopped when i realised that it was going to take longer than that i attempted to use the cash machine inside when it took my card and i was unable to pay for parking or fuel (i had to phone my brother to come from Leeds turn round at Chorley and come to meet me to lend me some money for petrol as i had not realized that i had gone over the 2 hrs i left
imagine my surprise when i got a parking ticket for 4 min for £100.00it was dated the 29 May 2015 and they presumed incorrectly that i would received the PCN 2 days after issuing it arrived 5 working days on the 5 June later thereby cutting my response time to 5 working days i dont get paid again until the 16th June by that time it will have increased to £100I will never use these services again
Michael, Thu 11 Jun 2015
hi I went in to the ross euro garages for coffee and to use the toilet after using the toilet I wash my hands as you do the water was so hot I got scolded bad I was given a number to phone/ring because I was off work with it for a few weeks and loosed my pay for the time I had to have off I am a fitter and my hands are in oil all day every day so I could not wash them I get hold of the woman there but she tells me the one I need to speck to is in a meeting every time I ring I must have phoned the 40 to 50 times do anyone know a way I can get hold of them please help nigel hughes
nigel hughes, Mon 11 May 2015
I will never use this service station again. A groupmof 4 have met each month and we spend about £40 between us. Some of our group were late and we went slightly over the time limit without realising it. The vile parking eye company sent parking charges. For satisfaction we meet elsewhere.
Fred Jones, Thu 16 Apr 2015
If you get one of these, they can be appealed in 30 seconds on the parking contactors website - and then killed off at Adjudication. Easy to do
BMPA, Fri 16 Jan 2015
I Pulled into Rivington Services after a busy morning at work and went in to get a Bacon Sandwich for my Breakfast. But to my Surprise due to religious beliefs Euro Garages and the Subways in there only sell Halal Turkey based pretend bacon. Euro Garages from Pleasington Blackburn have many Service Stations in the Country and this is a an Insult to our Traditional breakfast. Britain helped make this Company Great please respect our traditions as this is our National Breakfast.
paul jones, Fri 16 Jan 2015
Be aware the price on the shelf edge label, may not be the price you are charged at the till. Some promotions not scanning at advertised price. Other products price flashed, but the price label does not reflect the price on the packaging. Namely pay attention to what you are asked to pay. It would seem attention to detail is lacking here... Other than in the department of taking your money.
Sean, Wed 14 Jan 2015
Having arranged to meet work colleagues at this service station, where we ate and had several coffees, I was appalled to receive a parking ticket for £100 . Our meeting ran over 2 hours where I would estimate we spent over £50 on food and drinks. I will never be back and will use other services in the future. Be aware customers. You would think they would do all they can to attract customers not keep them away.
Jim Laird, Mon 8 Dec 2014
Warning all truckers, this services is possibly the worst in the country. Stay well clear
terry, Thu 4 Dec 2014
This is a warning to all visitors to the Rivington South Services. On the 12th November 2014 I parked at these servces for less than 2 hours yet have received a "Parking Notice Charge" for £100 redced to £60 if paid quickly. I will dispute these times which are false and never use these services again. Neither will my staff who I met for a meeting which we kept to less than 2 hours to avoid this trick.
Andrew Harris, Sat 22 Nov 2014
Good services overall. Brilliant service received every time even the cleaner is friendly and always has a chat which I thick is great. Although I think subways staff are awful and very rude girls but all other staff are fine Burger King are always friendly also and quick service. Can't comment on Starbucks s I don't drink coffee haha. Spar and bo staff ( all together) friendly also. And I mist say for a service area prices are reasonable and you can use Burger King vouchers here yay. My husband is a lorry driver he has to stay in the rivington. Lodge sometimes which as improved a lot over time he thinks it's great value for money and again says the staff are brill.so my suggestion is avoid the subway and you will love it here see you soon Mrs Manson :)
Lea Manson, Mon 10 Nov 2014
Due to parking eye and a hefty fine for stopping when I was tired I will never use these services again even if I'm about to fill my pants with sh**te!!!!
Stuart greenwood., Fri 7 Nov 2014
Daylight robbery. Fuel 20p a litre more than your everyday station. Won't give any custom again.
Paul, Mon 25 Aug 2014
While travelling home yesterday (17/8/2014) we had to stop at Rivington Services South on the M61 about 13.30. I took my children in to get a snack and my husband asked for a Starbucks small latte. After sorting the children out I went to Starbucks and picked up a sandwich marked at £2.40 and ordered my Latte with a very helpful and enthusiastic young man - sorry didn't get his name. When I got to the till a young lady served me. She asked if it was just the coffee and I told her that I also wanted the sandwich. She then said that's £6.05, so I asked how much the sandwich was, to be told it was £3.45. I commented that I thought that was a lot for an egg sandwich to which she muttered under her breath “well you are in starbucks†At this point I said that I would leave the sandwich and told her that I was well aware that I was in Starbucks!I put the sandwich back and the young man from before apologised, I told him it said £2.40 so he went to check with Danielle, for which she wasn't happy and showed how she had put in a gluten free egg sandwich - mine wasn't gluten free!!
I know the difference was only £1.05 but the customer service from this one individual was disgusting.
I will add that the rest of the staff were friendly and helpful.
Karen, Mon 18 Aug 2014
Today we visited your services at 1pm and my 4 year old daughter has left with a 5cm cut to the top of her leg! We made use of the disabled toilets as I also wanted to change my 2 year old. As my daughter went to use the toilet she cut herself on a piece of sharp, protruding plastic that would have been clearly visible to anyone cleaning the toilet. This obviously left her considerable upset and in my opinion completely avoidable had someone taken steps to rectify the situation. I have taken photographs of both the toilet seat and my daughter's leg and hope you intend to do something to rectify this situation. I wouldn't like to think of another individual experiencing this, especially on something that potentially has high levels of bacteria on. Kind regards.
Rebecca Harding, Sun 20 Jul 2014
Met up with my mate who I hadnt seen for a couple of years.This service area roughly half way for both of us so ideal we thought.Both of us arrived about lunchtime car park was virtually empty.We met up and stayed in the building where we had a Subway lunch chatted for a while and then finished off with a Starbucks Coffee,the whole lot cost us about £25.This morning he rang me to tell me he had received a parking fine our post arrived this afternoon and I had also received one as well.We stayed about one hour longer than the two hours allowed.So £225 quid for what was meant to be a nice lunch. I didnt see the parking signs as I was looking for my mate on arrival.The parking charge is a scandal and I intend to fight it.Needless to say we will be meeting somewhere else in future and I will be telling all my friends and associates to avoid this place
Ian Bennett, Fri 18 Jul 2014
Northbound. Service with a "Yeah, whatever, can't be bothered!" The place that health and safety forgot. Do not stop here late at night if you are disabled or have kids. The door from the car parking area is closed. The staff will scrutinise you carefully through the window but offer no help as you look around for the way in.
A misleading handwritten note tells you to go left to get in via the Spar shop. That way lies the bins and a fence. Go right, around the building, stumble over a grass verge with no proper path, no lights, no signage either. Walk your kids along the forecourt of the garage and finally find an open door. Not safe.
To be fair I will say that the loos are clean when you finally get to them.
The staff may have a good reason for shutting the car park side door, but were unwilling to offer a reason or an apology to me. I was dismissed with a careless wave of the hand and told there was a sign on the door. I'd like an apology - and a free set of glasses too! Facilities 7 out of 10 Staff 0 out of 10.
Lisa, Sun 15 Jun 2014
we stop here alot and I have ate in Burger King and Subway here. Both brands had very good food, very good services and very clean surrondings.
William Connolly, Mon 9 Jun 2014
Whilst making use of the urinals, a cleaner came in (the guy was probably in his forties, with very dark hair). The urinal he went to had just been used by somebody else and he manually lifted the centre drain of the urinal without any gloves on and poured some fluid in out of a bucket. Disgusting. He then left the toilets without washing his hands therefore leaving any germs on the door handle. An easy way to spread Hepatitis B!
Allan Goodale, Sun 1 Jun 2014
one billion percent better than the old legacy services , no pot holes, risk of botulism from the food or dysentery from going to the toilets. For all the people moaning about the anpr parking tickets I would suggest they look at a few parking forums before they get the credit card out !!
Mick, Thu 22 May 2014
I can only and very strongly recommend this service area is NOT USED BY THE PUBLIC.Having spent a fair amount of money, having a short meeting and then something to eat on the premises, I now find myself having the first parking charge levied against me in over 10 years. Silly me that I didn’t just make phone calls when driving and I sat in the car park to make a call.£100 fine for using the services “for too long†– we are talking minutes here. Apparently you should get in and out of this, what I would refer to as an offensive property and service, in their time scale.No wonder the place is empty. I have already emailed everyone I know in the area and some commuters to illuminate my experience and I would think that the business will lose more than the £100 they want from me from those I’ve spoken with already.What a self important little draconian scam this place is, in my opinion of course.
Stuart, Fri 25 Apr 2014
I come here a lot , the staff are very nice even though it's a busy shop they have Always got a smiley friendly manner . It's such a big shop and great offers I used to Come here when it was old and miserable and boy it's changed and becAuse I have come for years I can see what a change it is in business it's 10 times busier and more welcoming . I come for fuel and toilet stop and occasional snack stop but I admire what you have done to the place and your staff are loverly and friendly you don't get that much these days I a. Glad business is good for you , you deserve it .thank you
Jessica, Fri 14 Mar 2014
Was on my way to Glasgow with the family and stopped for a break. The Rivington service station was great. Facilities were clean and newly refurbished. The shop was neat, well stocked and tidy too. Things were clearly priced and easy to find. The kids enjoyed it too at the arcade. Lots of food options from Starbucks to Subway and the Spar store. Love the coffee you see! Staff at the till were really pleasant, smiling and happy to serve me. Even though the shop was busy the service I received was fast. Over all a great experience the facilities are first class. Would recommend everyone to go there.Well Done to the Management! Very impressive!
Greg, Tue 11 Mar 2014
Haven't been to these services for some time as they were awful until they were refurbished. A colleague suggested we meet for a coffee and a bite to eat. Basically it never occurred to me we would get only 2 hours parking and I ended up staying 2 hours and 18 minutes as I made a couple of calls in the car park after the meeting. Strangely I thought it was a good thing to make the calls in the services rather than phone on the motorway !
Received the £100 fine letter a week later. Ok, cant complain in the sense the signs were there, but these services are very quiet, few cars, its hardly an abused car park in need of draconian anti parking measures.
All its done is anger me considerably and make me avoid the services in the future and to try to make sure non of my contacts go there ever. Car park policy is clearly very good for business !!
Services are surely there so people can rest, relax, make calls, get food and drink, have a cat nap if needed and money will be also be spent in the facilities. If you are going to park all day then fair enough to charge but is the cap of a couple of hours free long enough. Obviously, my own view is no.
Phil Bolton 26 Feb 2014
Phil Bolton, Mon 10 Mar 2014
Buckets under the urinals, no hot water, incorrectly priced products, oh and don't forget to pay for your petrol signage everywhere. Basic errors by the newcomers, to the service station industry....
Jimmy, Wed 12 Feb 2014
The most expensive lunch I have ever had!
A Subway and a £100 fine for taking time chatting with friends and eating. I overstayed by 40 minutes, didn't even see the signs stating that we only had 2 hours to park for free.
I most certainly would not recommend these services to anyone.
I could understand the draconian parking regulations if the car park was busy, but it was practically empty.
Euan, Fri 25 Oct 2013
Had to leave home for Lancaster at 3.00am so heeded the "tiredness kills take a break advice" on my return and had a meal and a kip in the car having spent about £20 at the services.
I went over my two hour limit and got a nice letter from Parking Eye to tell me I had been fined a £100 for not paying but they would be kind enough to discount it to £60 if I paid within a fortnight.
I will never visit this service station again which is a pity as I pass it on a regular basis.
Hard to get a customer but easy to lose one
Mang Mangham, Wed 23 Oct 2013
We have just visited subway on the west side of the M61. Two young men served us, myself and my husband were the only ones in the que. The young man who made the sandwiches felt the need to discuss at length in a loud voice the entire content of his evening including meeting his girlfriends family in morecambe, whilst his friend I believe is off to Bolton tonight. It was like being served by an obnoxious version of the chuckle brothers. Barry chuckle (on the till) spent five minutes sorting out change or as he put it 'all this crap' while we waited to pay our sandwiches already having been made. Whilst Barry sorted out his 'crap' he proceeded to talk about his fellow colleague in what he termed 'naughty Spanish words', this was a true customer delight but when I was worried the show would end the chuckle brothers didn't dissapoint. Paul the other chuckle brother who was busy making another customers sandwich who had appeared, was asked by Barry what our sandwiches were. I say ask I mean howl like an ape. When Paul didn't respond to Barry, Barry became distressed and decided that punching the counter would gain his attention. It worked. Paul responded and finally Barry took our money with a friendly 'thanks for waiting'. Thank you Barry thank you. Literally the worst customer service I have ever experienced.
Sam, Sat 12 Oct 2013
shockingly poor service at Subway the girl on the counter managed to greet serve and take my money with out uttering a word to me but continually talking to some one who was sat on a table near to the counter. though this place is 100% better since reopening and being re built the staff are still as rude and with out any customer service skills,The only exception is the Starbucks who will now be getting my custom when i have to stop on the M61
Morgan, Fri 27 Sep 2013
Decided to pop into Rivington South Starbucks on my way to work this morning for a bit of a change and was thrilled with the service. The staff who were working were extremely pleasant and chatty and the coffee was top quality! Will definitely be dropping by on my way to work more often.
Alison, Thu 26 Sep 2013
Starbucks staff were happy to abuse a customer with Asperger's syndrome. I got her on video and asked her how she felt about the way she had treated a customer who presented a Aspergers alert card, to which she responded "rather good actually" other staff failed to interviene. A disgrace to Starbucks and first services.
Danny Livingstone, Thu 26 Sep 2013
Not quite sure what to say here. As a father of three children long car journeys can be an absolute trial. As a frequent traveller between Manchester and Blackpool we often stop at Rivington to allow my partner to breastfeed our youngest child. Travelling home not so long ago and we decided to stop as it was getting late and the elder children were hungry. Paying for food we sat and enjoyed our Subway and coffee. However when we were due to leave my daughter awoke and of course needed to be fed. A week later I receive a later charging me SIXTY pounds with a threat to go upto 120 because I stayed 12 minutes longer than I was allowed. Despite the fact there were not many other vehicles and the signs to alert people of the maximum allowed time we were supposed to be allowed, were not obvious. To be fair it was last thing I was looking for is a sign telling me i'm not allowed to stay too long at a SERVICE STATION. So despite spending almost thirty pounds I'm expected to pay another sixty for 12 minutes. Guess what? That's going to happen, and a the letter and decision will be appealed against. What a joke.
Jon, Mon 9 Sep 2013
Dared to turn up on our way home from Manchester at 19:30 on a Sunday and obviously completely inconvenienced the Subway girl. Most unpleasant individual who couldn't be bother to actually pay attention and would much rather have chatted to her pals who she shouted over us to constantly. Eventually after a huge amount of retelling our orders (for 4 subs - not rocket science!) we got our drinks from the dispenser. The last one was just carbonated water so took it back and told the girl that the concentrate must be low. "Yes" she said - "I know."
So how about changing it before it affects your customers then dear?
After the rolls, I tried to get a coffee for the journey home and was told that they were shut. No apologies, just shut despite it being 10 minutes before their official closing time.
Definitely will NOT be back.
AndrewN, Mon 26 Aug 2013
All I can say is well done to the recent changes made to the hotel. It's much cleaner and more pleasant. Staff are new and actually friendly seem to have two staff now. I have recently come back here after 6 month and before the carpets was dirty ( never hoovered) rooms A mess no effort put in to making a bed towels chucked any old way, dusty bathroom was not clean old soaps in bath - staying more than one day never got clean bedding and miserable staff member only ever saw the one. She knocked if you didn't answer your room was left dirty ask her for something she told me once for god sake shoul of answered door when I knocked .. Anyway thankfully she has gone now :-))))))))) new staff it's like a brand new hotel staff ad polite 2 of them work now they have do not disturb signs now, rooms r cleaned proper and even met manager once jabir he is very nice as well staff at spar seem friendly also great improvement in the time I've been away
Anonymous, Fri 19 Jul 2013
fantastic services! great facilities and layout. Use services regual on north and south, mainly use for filling up and using toilets and shop as BARGAIN for motorway services fantastic prices in spar. I also use subway and burger king all friendly staff you get to know the staff with coming in 5 days out of 7 which is a pleasure. i have family coming from Leeds soon so i have sugested rivington lodge. keep up the good work and buy more services
Lee Duke, Sat 26 Jan 2013
I was travelling North bound on the M61 today on my way to a meeting in Preston. I desperately needed to toilet to pen my bowels so I decided to stop what has so far been my favourite service station. I was greeted by 7 toilet cubicles to use in order to adequately relieve myself. Unfortuantely 6 out of the 7 toilets pans were disgusting each one having skid marks down them. The final toilet was blocked. I was forced to make a decision.... either soil myself or pick the worst of a bad bunch of toilet cubicle. I decided to go for the latter as I was on the way to an important meeting!
Clifford, Wed 12 Dec 2012
i called in these services the other day and heard a manager giving orders to a cleaner as if he was a piece of shit. if i had been that cleaner i would have wrapped the mop round his neck. where is management skills at this place.
stuart myles, Sun 18 Nov 2012
I stopped for breakfast on Wednesday 29 August and just wanted to say the the 2 young girls who were working for Costa were so friendly, helpful, smiling and enthusiastic that I just had to send a message of congratulation! If only more people could be like that. It certainly was 'service with a smile'. Please pass on my thanks.
James Melrose, Tue 18 Sep 2012
I have been staying at the hotel for years whilst Travelodge and Rivington Lodge , recently learnt it had reopend after the redevelopment of the main building which may i say what a fantasic improvment only i must day the hotel as gone down hill carpets in passage way not hoovered, bedding just thrown on not straigtened out, no hand towel, only 2 pillows in a family room, no single sheet for childs bed, toilet roll not replenished, and pulling out the sofa bed dirty sheet still on !!! went to teh reception which was in the spar shop and mentioned to staff he told me he will get his collegue to come to my room which surprisingly did imediatly and was very apolagetic n gave me what i needed n removed the diry sheet. i think your housekeeper needs retraing beacuse this is apaulling if it wasnt for your staff in the shop helping make my stay more pleasent i would not return. i have no details of a head office this is the only way i can file a complaint, as i was cnplaining was another gentle man in queue complaining about a dirty bath!! hope you can turn this around or i will take my business else where!!
Ms Aktar, Mon 20 Aug 2012
HI
Just wanted to write and say what a lovely pleasant man who served us in subway last night around 11pm, really helpful and friendly nothing too much troubleIt was really nice to see
Caroline, Sat 28 Jul 2012
i am taxi driver from manchester. i have been here pick up people no problem. but about ten day ago i got a loud drunk and horrid group of youths staying in the hotel who failed to pay their fair. i was very upset so i went to spar and i told staff about my upset!! lady said hold on ill get my colleague so a young red haired girl came . i told the lady the situation, i said where i picked the gang up from she imediatly knew where to go to find them. she then walked into the room and helped me by gotting nearly my full fair, risking safety of her self after pushing me back in he corridor to save injury to myself,seemed to be used to threatening behaviour from people or very brave. i am very impressed you let you'r staff put them selves in these kind of situations especially female staff. i would like to thank this young lady very much for all her help and bravery in such a violent situation wish i had her name to let you know whom she was. thank you very much
Mr. Mahmood, Thu 12 Jul 2012
Over priced & very dirty
Anon...., Thu 5 Jul 2012
in my eyes this is convenient services,i work leyland and stay here alot, staf friendly, always clean n tidy!! what else can you ask for really. i use the hotel due to my work as i live many miles away. also this is very clean and tidy. i stay four nights a week usually. get fresh linen daily and room service and any problems i can go to spar shop and they are very quick at reacting to my comments. have reasonable prices through out. starbucks mmmmm love it!!!!!!!! lovely staff service with a smile 100% at starbucks :)
C, Fri 15 Jun 2012
i stop at these services alot i am a hgv driver. all the staff are always happy. i even met the manager sabeir i think he was called few weeks ago when i needed help with oil he was very helpful and again happy. i like these services because they have reasonable prices compared to the rest maybe because it is a spar
Dave Jessop, Sat 2 Jun 2012
i also worked for eurogarages and have to agree with slave that they are awful to work for. nobody gets a chance to be lazy with all the cctv. if the managers did their jobs properly instead of watching cameras all day it might get run a lot better. the laziest people were the ones related to the so called boss. he couldnt run a piss up in a brewery. he just gets all his slaves doing the jobs he should be doing. surprised theyve not cottoned on yet
annonymous, Fri 25 May 2012
we know who slave is. is what you get for being lazy and a skivvy and lazy. ha
mrs h, Tue 22 May 2012
Is there any chance Slave is an employee,totally knows how they feel i worked there when Eurogarages took over it was bad enough then,but they made us all redundant best thing they did for me. good luck Slave hope all goes well
mrs b, Sun 20 May 2012
these employers treat people like slaves and have no consideration for their workforce. if you think they watch the customers like hawks you should see how they watch their employees. they have nothing better to do than watch cctv all day to check people are slaving every minute of their shift. the petrol staff arent allowed to even have breaks. they have to eat behind the counter which is breaking the law. they get away with things because everybody is frightened of losing their jobs and they know its hard to find another in these bad times
slave, Mon 14 May 2012
The services are a decent standard and much better than they were previously, however it could have been much better, seems like a rushed job.
Nipped in on a Sunday morning, took a few mins to find the toilets as there are absolutely no signposts! This really needs addressing as quick access to toilets is vital at a service station.
Got a Subway before I left, okay food, the young lad behind the counter was very nice and friendly.
Overall, Rivington Services isn't something that you would go out of your way to visit, however if you need a quick stop off then it is ideal.
Jessica Di Matteo, Fri 11 May 2012
I stay here quite regular due to work. i drive a truck but i always stay in the hotel rivington lodge because if i pay for parking and put up with a rock hard bed in my cab i will be paying 14.99 but for 24.99 i get a nice big comfy king size bed n a large warm room with a freeview tele and en suite bathroom. i think that is fantastic. excellent value for money!!
john, Sun 6 May 2012
used services 3 times substandard loos are dirty and smelly have no cleaners staff are expected to do the cleaning never any loo rolls have to ask for a shower key and when u do the shower is always in use apparently!!! loos are always blocked staff watch u like a hawk car parking for caravans is very limited only space for two poor signage genreally looks like its been botched quick rebuild without much thought going into it
anonymous, Sat 28 Apr 2012
i use these services 5 nights a week and one of the two showers has no shower curtain the whole place gets flooded ive asked loads of times if they can get one and they say yes yes were getting one well its been like that since the place opened and theyve done nothing about it yet, plus the toilets stink and r getting dirtier by the day , the day shift staffs attitude arent as god as the guy whos on at night time he cant do enough for you but ask for the shower key during the day and you get allsorts of hassle
marc, Mon 13 Feb 2012
i visit this service station quite often now on my way back from blackpool where i work. the place is a massive improvement and is lovely and clean but i suggest you get your cleaners to scrub up a little better. i walked past a guy cleaning and he smelt like he needed a good shower. other than that keep up the good work.
anne, Mon 16 Jan 2012
I'm a hgv driver i visit the site rivington south monday to friday i fill up with fuel everyday. over Christmas on my week off work.me and wife went to the other side which is north bound which i presume is same operator as same design exactly which is absolutely fantastic and what a great improvement. love subway and you don't find that at any service area. but i visited north whilst off and this was the first time ever i was asked for a nector card which peed me off as when i told the cashier and she asked me what card i fuel with which is keyfuel and informed me they accept nector with.
HGV driver, Sun 15 Jan 2012
SPAR stored my credit card details on a scrap of paper without my consent and left it for all to see in their office, charged me, and did not update their parking system. It took me nearly 40 minutes to obtain a receipt and ensure parking had been applied to avoid a Parking Eye fine. The attitude of Eurogarages is terrible.
Chris Hasman, Thu 15 Dec 2011
nice and shiny but no real improvement over the old awful services
alan smith, Fri 9 Dec 2011
beware, they can only afford this has they have so little staff and pay so little, mark my words they only buy garages so they have no competition, in a few years when they have all in England their petrol will be £5 a litre and run by immigrants
jean luc, Mon 3 Oct 2011
All i can say to my fellow coach drivers is stay well away and go to another services,I took a full (53seater) coach in on my way to blackpool and all i was allowed was a cup of coffee with 10% off, if i wanted anything else it was full price.
To you the owners of this services you should look at the coach drivers guide to services and try to keep up with the rest of the brands because after i and a few others have told every coach driver we know, you will end up back to the old run down crap you have just spent thousands to get away from.
m.simmons, Tue 20 Sep 2011
MANAGEMENT..... PLEASE READ AND ACT QUICKLY TO RESOLVE THIS OVERSIGHT.
When I stop at a service station, the first thing I need is a loo, as do pregnant women and women with bladder problems; mine was caused by my hysterectomy. It isn't as much a problem when I am driving, ie sitting down, but once I get out of my car my need becomes urgent.
I know that in most service stations once has to walk past all the tempting franchise shops and food vendors, I accept that, but Rivington North did not have any signs as to where to find their loos; ie which way to go! I hope that this will be put right asap so that no one else has to become stressed by not finding them. (Date and time are irrelevant to this problem.)
Desperate for a loo!, Mon 5 Sep 2011
Going to manachester I stopped off yesterday at 9.30am, it was the new buildingh was a massive improvement on the one in situ on my last visit a number of years ago BUT there was no toilet rolls in any of the Gents cubicles and two were blocked with . you know what . there was no-one about, so i just left without using any facilities.
Echo, Thu 1 Sep 2011
big improved services .. i got lost yesterday called in and was shocked nice to see old staff in shop a young girl and a asian gentleman both from the old petrol station both friendly, happy helpful and i found my way to preston even though going towards Manchester when i stopped ... its always good first impression to see smiling staff who get on well as a team and especially that they made my journey easier they deserve praise for customer service and i didnt catch their name damn
jazeida (south bound), Thu 1 Sep 2011
My family & I called in at the services today and were really impressed by the new facilities. What a great improvement from the old services. We have just one complaint - we were absolutely frozen out whilst enjoying a coffee at Starbucks. The services lacks an outer door - offset to the main door - so the cold wind doesn't blow directly in.
Linda, Mon 29 Aug 2011
Stopped here with Manchester and Lancashire Smart owners club. A VAST improvment. the services are modern, clean and well presented. Staff are very helpfull and I would even go as far to say that the food and shop is affordable.
We will be stopping here again!
Well done Euro Garages.
Simon, Sat 20 Aug 2011
Rivington Services has been re-launched following a multi-million pound investment programme. The old northbound and southbound sites have been demolished, creating one of the UK's leading motorway services facilities with brand new forecourts, amenity buildings and facilities.
The site has been completely transformed and now you’ll find premium brands such as Starbucks, Subway, Spar and Burger King in the glazed foodcourt area, brand new convenience stores, a wide range of quality facilities and carefully landscaped grounds offering relaxing outdoor dining.
Rivington.Services, Thu 4 Aug 2011
i can defiantly say the service are as improved by millions its unbelievably amazing what a turn around i visit south bound mainly and i believe the other half is now fully open but not actually visited it yet.. i went to subway and for diesel only disappointed they seem to have different staff what happened to the cabin staff they was great i was served by a woman whom was new who id class as rude was more interested in using her mobile than serving me and please thank you SMILE would have been nice.. what happened to your cabin staff all friendly and pleasant but except your poorly new recruit i give everything a big thumbs up and all the best in getting business back which u will im very sure
Mather, Fri 22 Jul 2011
stopped here today 21 July 2011 and can safely say the best service station yet! Bright, clean, airy and the staff were very pleasant and friendly. Loved having a Subway and that i didnt need to join the kids in a burger king!
alison, Thu 21 Jul 2011
I'd never visited these Services before last week, but had seen the Peter Kay Mocumentary which was filmed here over a decade ago. There is virtually nothing now which reflects the tv programme. Slightly strange layout (northbound), with the fuel station directly in front of the main building, meaning if you want to buy petrol then the logical thing to do is buy it first before going inside to the shop / cafes etc. Good clean msa, very modern feel and the (Spar) shop not quite as overpriced as many others on the Motorway network. My only criticism would be that the carpark is maybe a little small. Overall a positive experience though.
Mountain Man, Mon 18 Jul 2011
Very good facilities, sparkling clean shop etc, but whoever marked out the carpark?? Just 4 caravan spaces which are so tight that they can only be safely used by 2 caravans at the same time ! Please note; car + caravan cannot turn a 90 degree corner. Please remove the 4 car bays which face the caravan bays = problem solved.
frank, Sun 17 Jul 2011
Big improvement but not everyone likes to eat Burger king or Subway,what happened to the restaurant that did the full english breakfasts?
Anonymous, Sun 19 Jun 2011
What a vast improvement on this site , it was a well know fact that Bolton West was before euro garages came on the scene a craphole , I will now recommend to people who are going up and down the M61 to stop here now
Paul Johnson, Mon 6 Jun 2011
The side towards Manchester is now open and one word WOW its amazing from the outside it looks small and you go inside the spar shop is huge and brilliant. best services i have been to. subway there too which is great as that is my addiction! the shop staff are all so friendly and the same ones from the cabin which is good to see. cant wait until preston side is open which talking to the staff in the spar shop will be very soon as i travel both ways will be great i stopped here today. i can see within a few days business has picked up. iwant to say a big well done to the owners for turning such a dump into a pleasant clean, tidy n amazing place, and after the fire last year the staff deserve such a great environment to work in
James, Sun 5 Jun 2011
well done.. you turned these services around from worst 2 best in uk..
lee addams, Sun 5 Jun 2011
The South side is now open, and while landscaping and the car park is still to be completed, its looking really good. The entire entry slip road has been tarmaced, the parking area is part completed. The building is bright, clean, modern and stylish.
Inside on the right is a starbucks with a large seating area, anarea with fruit machines, and access to the large Spar shop and toilets. To the left is Burger King and Subway and more seats. You can also access the Spar from this side.
The toilets are not completed in terms of a few bits still need touching up, but they are fully open.
I cant comment on the new petrol station, I have not yet used it, however that is also fully operational, the old one is closed down awaiting demolition.
A big well done to Euro Garages and good luck with turning around the sites reputation.
Ash, Mon 30 May 2011
new building will be open 3-4 month
az, Sat 16 Apr 2011
When will the new side be opening ?
Craig, Wed 13 Apr 2011
I need disabled faci;lities and can't travel until I am sure there are some at this service station
geoff, Thu 7 Apr 2011
this is elaine finch-graham.the comment that has been put on this website which was meant to look like i have put it on has definately been put on by an annonymous coward.
elaine finch-graham, Sun 27 Mar 2011
To anonymous coward, i also got made redundant but before you did just like to say there are better jobs out there so think yourself lucky you are out of it!
mrs A, Sat 26 Mar 2011
I got made unfairly redundant from here recently. 4 people was kept which is unfair!!! i worked in shop as did two others and now they get to stay i am more experienced and suitable and i go. just to let everyone know this place is a dump and to avoid as they treat you like **** depending on who you are. well revenge is sweet im going to get your jobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous, Tue 22 Mar 2011
Good to see the new service stations are going well, I'm sure they will be great when completed. In the meantime, please un-block the mobile loo on the South-bound side!
I cant understand why the North bound couldn't have been left open while the South was built, then people would always be able to access one service area via the bridge.
In any event, I really wish the new owners well for the future of the site.
Ash, Thu 10 Feb 2011
i like stopping here every saturday i call for fuel and a hot drink. the new service is well under way hope they keep coffee nation its lovely
Ms Wright, Sat 5 Feb 2011
you will all see what happened to the staff when it goes in the bolton evening news very shortly. if you call in when it opens you will see why they got rid of them
alan, Tue 1 Feb 2011
well i see that the services as shut now it was called for haa. what happens to the staff though?
joe, Sat 29 Jan 2011
This service station appears to have closed now for referbishment. I now the South side has been down for most of 2010, however the North was shut today, though appeared to be standing. The work on the new service station is well under way
Ash, Thu 27 Jan 2011
Well where to start.. Turned up on the North bound side at about 8pm it was really dark and there was no signage the main building had been demolished and there was a little hotel and that was pretty much it the whole area had a creepy vibe so I drove round the back of the hotel through the BP petrol station which was the only sign of life. However today I returned south side and it was open again the car park was a building site and poorly serviced the main building looked old and un loved. I ate at BK which lookedf dirty and was expensive however the crew member was friendly and the service was fast (partly because it was empty) the decor was very 1960's and the floor was unusually sticky. The whole area seemed to smell of urine which brings me on to the toilets they didn't look clean and wouldn' flush and most sinks had a tap missing. I then went to the shop again which looked fresh from the 1960's the lady serving was quite unplesant and looked angry that shew had to serve a CUSTOMER!!! however the shop was unusually fairly priced. Overall I would not suggest stopping here at the moment but I am sure it will be better when the refurbishment is complete.
Josh Whittleston, Thu 25 Nov 2010
to the the ball what an odd signature..but gotta mention you made me laugh :-) probably totally true. Margaret works there though why reply to these reviews you are acting in a poor way and turning this into a forum. some customers don't like the place and the staff. in my opinion from my visits i can't blame them i agree but is obvious a new building is being done up so all these will change might cheer the staff up
Mitzie, Tue 23 Nov 2010
Staff who is ball?
Anonymous, Fri 19 Nov 2010
we was greeted a building site and went round to service went to a very old standard bathroom,coffee parlour was appeared to be closed went to burger bar was lighting on inside the parlour but no servants going off the sitting place there was one gentleman with a cap looked doopey so we decided to go to the retail department which was a servant we got pop and sandwich n snack each which was reasonable and the servant he was pleasant and friendly. i would not stop at service again
abdul, Sat 13 Nov 2010
hey ball we kno who u r and as for havin abit of fun in work ther is nothin wrong wiv that at least we aint all borin fookers!!! and as for havin a fag we need to smoke to keep our sanity!!! its not our fault u dont smoke get a fag if u want one dudeeeeeeeee!!!!
staff, Fri 12 Nov 2010
you go into work the first thing you do is go fagging it at the fire escape then several other members of staff come in, then they all take it in turns constantly all day taking 5 minute breaks to fag it so overall all day each member of staff must have at least 2 hours rest period. When not fagging it you are involved in socialising like shouting and swearing to one another and being over the top loud and using mobile phones to communicate also. and then its home time whoop I want a job mate how do I apply dude? sounds like a piece of cake to me :-)
ball, Wed 10 Nov 2010
People seem to be making this place out to be the worst to me. It is by no means the best, (and no I am not staff!) but I am a regular user of the services, and I have had no issues with staff, and while the place isn't the warmest place on earth, the site is under redevelopment, so moaning to the cashier is a pointless thing, A) they didnt allow the site to get into the state its in, and B) they are not answerable for the condition of the place (for what its worth, C) I doubt the staff areas are any better)
My advice is put up, shut up moaning, and go back when its finished.
Having spent over an hour in there on Friday (most of which was spent in my car watching them pull the lights down) I can say things are happening at a good pace...stick with them.
Ash, Tue 9 Nov 2010
Had the mis-fortune of ending up at this dump. Went to use the toilets and oh my god. The ceiling looks like its coming through, there was broken tiles on the floor, taps missing off sinks, hand dryers not working. This place looks like it has literally been abandoned and left to rot.
Kye, Sun 7 Nov 2010
Well what a sorry state this Service area seems to be in, having just read all the comments on here bolton west seems like its a staff forum more than a comments for customers, how can we believe that staff care when staff clearly are puuting comments on here to degrade and dis the customer please staff keep your comments to yourself belive me you ant doin yourself any favours, Why dont you get your managers/owners to respond to all what is going on here and tell them to enlighten us about what is going on and what they intend doing for you staff and us customers going forward also they need to start raising the profile of this service area before you lose everthing, come on guys get your act together this web site is getting busier and comments and slanging matches dont help your services at all.
Dosser666, Tue 2 Nov 2010
sounds to me like tracy must work on the petrol station because i have always found the people in the service station very nice and friendly considering what conditions they have to work in. ive called in the petrol station as well and i didnt find the staff all smiley and friendly at all. in fact they looked miserable to me.
margaret, Mon 1 Nov 2010
Called at the services on the way to Blackpool as I was desperate for a wee!!! I have been unfortunate enough to have stopped at these services before and vowed never to do so again. However deperate times (literally) I thought they must have improved since then - but no - even worse. I walked into the toilets, after walking past the shop that looks like its closed permanently, past the loud heat blower (as place is freezing), oh and past the Trolley of burger buns that lives outside the mens toilets (permanently. If i had forgotten where the toilets were, i could just follow my nose. When i got it the stench was even worse. No soap (so what the staff wash their hands with is beyond me), no locks on doors and one door was actually hanging off. The place should be condemed!! If it is being done-up then they should huury up as its been going on for years and it should be made to close whilst work is done.
I have complained to the Environmental health about this disgusting hole as it cannot be within legislations opertiing in this manner.
Oh and I did not use the toilet. i decided i would rather have discomfort until i got to Blackpool. And washed my hands in the car with anti-bac. believe me drive past these so-called services and if you have the misfortune to stop - dont touch anything!!!!
Kate, Sun 31 Oct 2010
The staff are miserable at Bolton west went to the shop yesterday and the lady on the till was miserable and rude. I went no further than the shop i stopped on my way out at the BP station to get a coffee i will stick to the garage in future its not like visiting the dead I know its coming up for Halloween but come on sort your staff out you may get more people actually wanting to stop here the place is already a dump these miniseries are making it a whole lot worse you have lost one customer in me I imagine many more feel the same. warning to other motorists go to the BP garage drive straight past that heap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tracey, Sat 30 Oct 2010
What's happened to the refurb? All activity on the SB seems to have stopped?
Kasintahin, Thu 21 Oct 2010
I have visited again since my last comment, the toilets had clearly been cleaned, and its good to see the plans for the new building up on arrival. I have had no problem with the staff on any of my visits, (wouldn't mind getting to grips with the management for allowing it to get into such a state, but thats a differnt ball game) Can I just ask Mona, who runs the show in the main building now? Is it First or Euro Garages...?
What does concern my is the sight of workmen digging the car park up on the North side, when the activity over the road appears to have stopped? I'd hate to lose the North building before the South bound side was completed, can you shed any light on whats happening?
Thanks,
Ash
Ash, Wed 20 Oct 2010
Well said Mona well impressed with your response. I dont think people realise its not your fault, having said that it does not help your cause when morons do work for you and relay the message that they couldnt care less as well.Just because hes a trucker staff dont have to be all macho and cocky and think thats how you have to serve and treat a trucker. Afer all said and done hes still a cutomer wanting service and value for money just like you do and hes helping you to keep your business going so you have got a job.
dosser666, Wed 20 Oct 2010
Mr eurotrotter, as an employee of this "dump" (i would call it worse, but then i doubt very much that this post will reach the wall) You talk tripe, guess why? THERE IS NO SHOWER OR CAFE!!! As to the other disatisfied customers, all i can do is apologise for the complete cesspit which greets you when you enter the building, but you are a few of the lucky ones. Please feel for the staff who have to work in those pathetic conditions. (and yes we do HAVE to work there, unless you wish for us to take all your hard earned money and live on the dole?) From personal experience the staff do try to be at there upmost friendliest to guests, but when you have spent the last 5-6hrs working in practically zero degrees (got it in one, there is no heating) and getting rained on (got it again, there is almost no roof) and smelling stale urine wafting out from the toilets (yes there are cleaners, for approx 3hrs per day!) we do infact occassionally find it difficult to carry on being pleasant when being given abuse over the state of the building, how cold and disgusting it is and the prices. We have no control over any of it. We are all eagarly awaiting the rebuild, and i assure you, every employee will be queueing with a sledge hammer as soon as the new building is finally up and running.
Mona, Tue 19 Oct 2010
what a S...hole as a truck driver yes i know we are hated by the general public but we do need to wash , went to the cafe to pay for parking 20 mins later a zombie arrived yep wadda ya want i replied pay for parking and a key for the showers please paid for parking got a key for the showers ,opened the shower door lovely decor with mold replacing the grout and a tramp asleep in the shower I returned to said zombie told him the situation reply was oh he's always sleeping in there I asked for my money back and went to somewhere else
eurotrotter, Mon 11 Oct 2010
Called here yesterday evening for a well deserved "trucker stop".
Out of all the services i have visited in my career as a driver around the U.K. I have never known a place to be allowed to open its doors in such a state. You should almost suspect that somthing is not right when you ram your 18 wheeler through the slip road doging holes bigger than the wagon itself and grass verges which are so over grown they are almost part of the road itself.
Things get a whole lot worse inside the building (if you manage to find your way inside through the pitch black car park) at the front door i was met with water running litterally out of the front door towards you. It would seem the roof has some serious issues!!! which has resulted in the horrid stench of putrid water. Seriously your trading this way!!
This was and will again be a brilliant service area but once the seed has been planted that this place is a horror will people return? - the previous owners should hang there heads in shame that this place is in such bad shape.
Close the doors, get the bulldozers in and have a grand opening when the staff and people of bolton can have somthing to be proud of!
Darren, Tue 5 Oct 2010
Appauling !!! visited on the way back from a very pleasent day in machesert to be met by more rain inside the building than out. The greeting of "WET DOG" was far from pleasent and the h&s would have a field day with all the puddles and buckets scattered arround. Honestly boys the space heater you have isn't going to do anything as it wasn't switched on! and the problem is the roof has so many defects you cudn't hope to dry it out! Toilets where "foul" and i was gasping for breath after just a moment inside (do they really make food here ?) - the grounds look like they have not been touched for years, the verges are over grown the tarmac is crumbling and the night lighting would be better if somone would actually replace the blown bulbs ! so so so many defects its not worth listing this old ship needs a bloody good insurance job!! will not be visiting again.. EVER!!!! (until i here that a rebuild has been completed !)- is it legal to trade like this ?
Pete, Sun 3 Oct 2010
A step in the right direction, the South bound building has been pulled down and as things stand, the old petrol station is open with a shop, which offers a better range of goods than the 'proper' services did in its final years. Chilled drinks, fresh sandwitches and friendly service were welcomed on my last few visits. The toilets are portaloo's, which isn't ideal but during a referbisment of a site what can you expect?
The north side, well its business as usuall, I'm not sure who runs the show over there just now, be it First or Euro Garages, but the smells in the gents loo's are foul, and the roof of the building will do well to last this coming winter!
Overall though the site has got potential and is showing good signs of improvments.
Ash, Thu 23 Sep 2010
I have stopped at this services for the first time ever and I thought I travelled through time to mid 70'sToilets aweful, clean but aweful and outside it looked like nobody cleaned up there for years
Rob, Tue 27 Jul 2010
We visited this service area this morning and were so disgusted that we have written the following email to Chorley Council>:
This morning (18 July 2010 at approx 11:30am) we stopped at the Northbound service area (Bolton West Services - M61) for a comfort break.
We were appalled by the standard of facilities available and noted numerous health and safety issues including:
Insufficient road-markings and signposting in car parking area.Overgrown verges restricting visibility when emerging from car parking area.Cracked and broken paving stones outside the building.Cracked and broken floor tiles inside the building.Leaking ceilings and soaked ceiling tiles inside the building.Wet floors inside the building with insufficient warning signs.Pallets containing bread-rolls outside cafeteria area close to leaking ceilings and wet floors.Shopping area only partially lit (possibly as a result of electrical problems caused by ingress of water?)Dirty and smelly toilets (Mens and Womens).Toilet cubicles with broken or missing locks on doors in Womens toilets.Toilet cubicles inaccessible in Womens toilets.Dirty windows in Mens toilet areas.Dust and cobwebs on flat surfaces in Mens toilet areas.Cracked and damaged porcelain sinks in Mens toilet areas.Sinks with missing or broken taps in Mens toilet areas.Insufficient water flow in sinks in Womens toilet areas.Water temperature insufficient in Mens and Womens toilet areas.Lack of soap in Mens and Womens toilet areas.Malfunctioning and broken hand-dryers in Mens and Womens toilet areas.
Would you please investigate these issues as a matter of urgency and advise me what action is being taken.
Thank you in anticipation.
Regards,
Gavin and Karen Harrison
Gavin and Karen Harrison, Sun 18 Jul 2010
I came into these services on the north side going towards blackpool and used the toilets and went to the newsagents and there was nobody there i waited about 5-10 mins and a woman turns up (red spikey hair) who came through the main enterance whom i saw smoking outside when i came in 15 minuites earlier and did not even apologise and just went yeah and served me and i gave a ten pound note for a transaction of 1.59 and she dumped the pound coins on the counter and went well thats my pound coins gone gave them to me and went out of the newspaper shop whilst i was still stood there to shout another member of staff alreday at the entrance and said "pissed off with people coming whilst im trying to have a fag" . i normally go to the BP spar shop which i shall be using from now on as there is always a friendly face their. i know there are two separate companies owning each. well ill be taking my custom to the spar shop from now on! and whoever owns the service station the one with the UN-open burger king needs new staff or retrain the ones they have. no wonder its run down with ignorant staff like that
az, Fri 16 Jul 2010
Only stop here for petrol - avoid all other needs, as the facilities are simply appalling.
Martin Brown, Sun 4 Jul 2010
the company is euro garages from blackburn.they are a asian firm they are very good umployers for the asian that come over here wanting work 99% of the work force are asians. the place is a mess but who cares.
kathy, Wed 23 Jun 2010
As a fairly regular user of this service area (2-3 times a month) I can confirm that the site has been left to go to the pigs by 'First.' The staff I've encountered have been plesent enough to me. As for people popping out for a cig, the impression I get is that noone was on hand to provide break cover for these people, so I cant blame then for downing-tools for a few minutes for a drink and a smoke.
The conditions they have to work in are clearly no better than the ones we are using either.
I dont know who the new owners are, I was hoping Welcome Break would take over the site, but I dnt think thats likely. Anyway, good to see they have all but pulled on side down and intend to rebuild it. Its a vital re-fuling stop for me after busy days at Blackpool pleasure beach!
Ash, Tue 15 Jun 2010
Myself and a few friends visited hoping for a quick snack before the Pink Concert. We left quicker than we arrived. Th toilets are appauling and main communal area is a death trap and with my mind running wild i felt like it was something from a horror movies. I will not be visiting again.
J Firth, Sun 13 Jun 2010
If you read the signs on the front of the building its called Rivington Lodge it has not been a Travelodge for the past nine months.
a, Sun 13 Jun 2010
I think the Bolton West services is a disgrace. I booked a room with this hotel and confirmed with them a week ago that my booking was all fine and they was waiting for me and my friends to come and stay because we were going to the pink concert on june 12th. When we got there the whole place was shut and half demolished and the staff there did not even have the decency to contact me and let me know that our booking was cancelled. We have been stranded in bolton because the train station wouldn't even let us come home and we've had to sell our 3 standing tickets to the concert for £40 just to get enough money to come home. We travelled all the way from south east London and even when we called up to talk to the staff they just said it weren't there problem. You call yourself a travelodge, your a disgrace to the hotel indrusty and you will be shown what a bunch of idiots you are.
kayleigh, Sun 13 Jun 2010
The Manchester-bound side has been largely demolished. There are some plumbed portaloos near the petrol station.
Andrew, Tue 25 May 2010
I have got to say that this service station is the worst I have ever been in. The place was filthy - the toilets a disgrace, taps held on with string, there was only two of the hand dryers working. We thought when we approached the service area that it was a derelict building. NEVER AGAIN
Mr. T. Foy, Wed 19 May 2010
Nina the Burger King Manager should be sacked - attidude towards customers are a disgrace - will not be returning to this outlet
Joan, Sun 9 May 2010
had the misfortune of stopping here on 30/04/10 on our way to the Lakes, what a disgrace, the toilets are a Health Hazzard and should have warning signs on the doors infact the whole place should, does the health inspector not visit here??? how can they get away with it in the UK in this day and ageI have seen cleaer pig sties
Trudy Biddleston, Fri 7 May 2010
Stopped in on way home from a weekend in Manchester. The older man serving in the shop was more interested in reading the sunday papers than dealing with customers. Some customer care training is required.
Al, Wed 5 May 2010
drove past tonight most of the southbound side has been demolished
Michael, Sun 2 May 2010
I live near these services and have the pleasure of going here every weekend for Brunch! i am always treated like royalty and cant understand the complaints!
Mike Oxlong, Tue 27 Apr 2010
called in for a paper the lady in the shop i believe someone called her Janet was outside smoking just couldnt be bothered to serve me was more interested in talking to two other members of staff from Burger King wont be calling back
claire, Wed 21 Apr 2010
Was very disappointed. Toilets were smelly. Had to be one of the worst service stations ive been to.
jordan, Mon 19 Apr 2010
OMG u all need to get a grip u are all quick at commenting on the service station but most people who call in are regulars you all make me sick!!!! and as for the bad comments about the staff pathetic is all i can say we all go out of our way to make people feel welcome we have to work in the services in the state its in and we just get on with it we maybe abit down somedays as we have lost alot of friends as there has been alot of changes since the services has been took over and the big one was staff being made redundant!!!!! i wolud like to let u all kno as of monday 12th april the development starts with the south side so please all call in again in 3 month time and then put your comments on!!!
jessica, Sun 11 Apr 2010
Went in last night, smelt like an old peples home. Empty rooms on the right, horrible place. Wants demolishing!!!!!
Pete, Sun 4 Apr 2010
I've read all the comments. Maybe it is the worst in the country but I can definately say once the new owners knock it down and rebuild it you will find it is one of the best services in the country. The new owners have turned around many services and forecourts over the last 10 years. Blame first motorway. What a disgrace. I look forward to visiting the new build which will be a pleasure.
anonymous, Wed 10 Mar 2010
came into these services goin towards manchester it was cold inside and nowere to eat but was a shop and a hotel and the restaurant has shut ready for a rebuild which i will be coming back to see. the staff here were friendly considering what they are working around
sara, Fri 5 Mar 2010
THIS IS NOT A SERVICE STATION ITS A BOMB SITE the staff are rude the toilets dirty in fact saying its a bomb site is unfair to bomb sites. i will not be calling again no hot food no showers. just pull it down dont bother to rebuild its not worth it no one wants to call here again.
anon, Wed 3 Mar 2010
Neede a toilet stop last Friday evening. Bolton West is disgusting, but I am cheered to learn that the new owners are to tackle the dirty toilets in the only way possible - With a Bulldozer. They are beyond anyone other normal means of cleaning.
Coach Driver, Mon 1 Mar 2010
at least the last person to comment got served at the shop. i went in on wednesday and when i got to the counter to pay the woman was stood outside smoking. i work in retail myself but i would never be allowed to leave my till to go outside for a smoke. perhaps new owners would definately change this policy.
susan, Fri 26 Feb 2010
The bleakest coldest place on earth.
I bought a small packet of digestives from the shop and was asked for £1.67
The member of staff responded in the negative when I enquired if she was married to Dick Turpin.
Amazed I managed to drive out of the exit slip road without damaging a tyre.
Stuart, Tue 23 Feb 2010
shocking SHOCKING it was like going back in time, this service area has to be the dirtiest unfriendliest service area in the whole of Europe teh staff think they are a rule to them selves I hope who ever buys this once lovely services sacks the lot of them and employes a freindly bunch who understand what customer service means and know how to use a cleaning cloth
Steve, Wed 17 Feb 2010
we who work at these services are tired and fed up of all your nasty comments. new owners are in the midst of demolishing the place. they are not to blame. rob millar and noel richardson are. they took everything out of it and never bothered to maintain the place. as long as they was taking money they did not care about the staff or anything else so all please write to first motorway services at magor. south wales with all your nasty comments. massive improvements start march 1st. watch this space
employee, Wed 10 Feb 2010
I echo other comments. A horrible place and only to be used in dire emergency. But if you MUST stop here, then please drive slowly and carefully as soon as you get off the slip-road. The whole place is pot-holed like an off-road rally track. Made worse by recent bad weather, sure, but they make no effort to fix anything. I burst a tyre and ruined the wheel when i accidently drove through a crater on entrance to the carpark in Jan. Cost me £300+ to get fixed and I only called in for a paper! But when I went in again this week, i saw that the road seems to be even worse now, if anything. Even a pile of stones & sand chucked in there would help, but nobody bothers....
Sooner someone decent buys this place the better! Maybe the lovely people who run Tebay would like another operation?
Adrian Bull, Tue 9 Feb 2010
nobody will have had the same problem shaun, mistakes happen when giving people change and nobodies perfect! and as for rude well thats pathetic no one person who works in the spar is rude. everyone has days where they are tired and not 100% but nobody is rude. i think people just complain for the buzz. you had your problem sorted so whats your problem? which was obviously an innocent mistake
haha, Fri 29 Jan 2010
The lady on the till in the spar shop short changed me... I caught her out and said that, she instantly snarled at me and gave me the correct change out of the till before I had chance to say what it was. She was subsequently rude and when i asked for the manaher tel no gave me the wrong number. Anyone else had similar probs?
Shaun, Wed 27 Jan 2010
Julie: You were quick enough to post all your nonsense on this site, now its my turn. After eating half your meal, you then demanded a refund, it cant have been all that bad can it?!
As for the size of the cheeseburger meals being "the equivalent to a MacDonalds happy meal" i would REALLY love to know which MacDonalds you go to!
Next, there were some 'black things' on his half-eated chicken royale. These looked like rat droppings i kid you not." About time you visited Specsavers i think.
And as for contacting the environmental health, Would you like to reply yourself and point out that it was infact Carbon, and not "rodent droppings?"
Last but not least, you say you were given no explanation as to what the "Black things" were, yet earlier in your little "story" you stated "The young man thought it was 'grease from the tongs'." If you had actually bothered to be reasonable an LISTEN whilst he was talking to you, you would have had a explanation and an apology, along with a refund.
Please call again soon.
Me, Sat 16 Jan 2010
well i ate a chicken royale and my husband had a whopper on the same day as this woman and we thoroughly enjoyed it. some people are very sad and just enjoy grumbleing. i notice she said half eaten. it took a long time for her to notice
val, Thu 7 Jan 2010
myfamily and i visited Burger King at Bolton services today. We ordered 2 double bacon cheeseburger meals and a chicken royale meal. The size of the cheeseburger meals (£4.99) was equivalent to a MacDonalds happy meal, i pointed this out and requested a refund for my meal. Shortly after leaving my young son pointed out that there were some 'black things' on his half-eated chicken royale. These looked like rat droppings i kid you not. There were stuck to the bread roll and were scattered within the actual wrapper. We took the food back and pointed this out. The young man thought it was 'grease from the tongs'. I said i was going to contact the environmental health as they looked like rodent droppings. He then went to get themanager. We were given a full refund but no expalnation of what these black things were. I have brough the offending food and wrapper back to Blackpool and will be contacting the environmental health tommorrow. Sun. 03/01/2010 DO NOT EAT HERE
JULIE, Sun 3 Jan 2010
Abysmal! I wanted to get out of there as quickly as I could.
Anonymous, Sun 20 Dec 2009
Towing may caravan, I stopped for a coffee and toilets on the southbound side. These must be some of the tattiest services on the whole network. It starts in the car park, where there is no clear signage, nothing is lined out and trafic flow is free-for-all; the site access road is severely pot-holed and the toilets...dirty walls and floors, tiles missing, in dire need of demolition. On a positive note, there was warm water, sopa and a functional hand drier. Only a machine to get a coffee from, but it was a reasonable cappucino. Nowhere to sit except my car, unless I was prepared to trail across an open footbridge to the other side (in the driving sleet!). Not a very happy experience: the whole place looks un-loved, inside and out, like some obscure Soviet backwater! when is this facility to be improved, please? When this does happen, please don't put caravans in the with HGV's, and do consider the needs of disabled caravanners, who can't walk miles to the building. Thanks
David Mycock, Fri 18 Dec 2009
Eastbound. Ladies toilets - overpowering smell of urine and drains, most toilet doors had broken locks, no hot water and hand driers out of order. Could not get out quick enough.
Brenda Carroll, Mon 14 Dec 2009
Oh dear what a disaster! I feel for Ms Derbyshire and all the staff who have been streated so disgracfully!
Ed, Sun 6 Dec 2009
01254 777766 the correct number
sam, Sat 5 Dec 2009
to mrs dorothy huntnever got any of your messages or photos of your trousers please ring euro garages 01257777766 they are in charge not myself i was made redundant along with other staff if i had got your letter i would have reponded
wendy derbyshire, Wed 2 Dec 2009
Wendy Darbyshire is no longer the manager at these services she has been made redundant along with another 10-15 other staff - 4 weeks before Christmas !! - the owners of these services are Euro Garages - Head office: Euro GaragesEuro HouseBlackburn RoadDarwen BB3 1QJ
Unknown, Wed 2 Dec 2009
I really wished I had read the reports on this service area before I HAD to stop here on the 19th November to use the facilities. I quickly used the ladies, previous comments say it all, there was a male attendent cleaning the floor (NO SIGN), this is normal at motorway services. The toilet floor was wet through so I took great care not to let my trousers touch the floor. The seat was wet through so I wiped it with loo roll. When I got home later in the afternoon and got changed I discovered my trousers which were brown must have touched the pottery surround of the wc and were ruined with orange/bleach marks on the lower back and behind both knee areas. This was the only placed we stopped at, so it goes without saying it could have only happened here. I rang several times the day after to speak to the manager Ms Wendy Derbyshire but she was not available. I wrote a letter of complaint, and sent a picture of my trousers on the 21st November and to date (30th) I have even received an acknowledegment to my letter. I will not let this end here.
Dorothy Hunt, Mon 30 Nov 2009
Bolton West is really not a place you would visit if you can avoid it.
Karen Carnegie, Thu 26 Nov 2009
This place should be condemned. I feel sorry for the staff.
Filthy, cold, with leaking toilets and dirty floors. Car park full of pot holes.
Horrid.
Why is no-one putting money into this thing?
Jon, Wed 25 Nov 2009
DO NOT STOP AT THIS SERVICE STATION. IT IS ATROCIOUS AND HEALTH AND SAFETY SHOULD CLOSE IT DOWN. THE TILES ARE FALLING OFF THE BATHROOM WALLS AND IT SMELLS DAMP. IT IS FREEZING COLD AND AT 7.00 IN THE EVENING ONLY THE BURGER KING WAS OPEN. I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS PLACE IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TRADING - IT IS THE WORST PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN IN. IT SHOULD BE CONDEMNED.
Alison Fletcher, Tue 24 Nov 2009
This has got to be the most disgusting service station I have ever had the misfortune to use. The toilets were an absolute disgrace. Most of the toilets were blocked, the floors were filthy and wet and no loo paper in any of the cubicles that I looked in. There were soggy ceiling tiles everywhere that looked like they could drop on you at any time and most of the taps were permanently on wasting gallons of water. This service station may be due to be demolished, but there is no excuse for this horrendous state of affairs. The place should be condemned!
JANE, Wed 11 Nov 2009
where do i start...........booked a room in the hotel you have to try and find the hotel receptionist who seemed to be upstairs in a room as when i had been checked in went back to the room and shut the door probably watching television and looked as if she had just been woken and was not exactly clean looking when she did appear. then go out after 10pm you have had it notice on door saying services shuts at 10.30 well im sorry but it was shut at 10pm when i wanted to come back in and yet again no receptionist as the woman was in the shop. dont know who owns this place if i did i would have complained but as i was leaving there was no signs of anybody at 7.30am you woul think there would be some hotel staff about not even a housekeeper PATHETIC
Mr Henderson, Sun 1 Nov 2009
all staff to lose there jobs the B N P would have a field day
Anonymous, Wed 28 Oct 2009
after a wonderful piece of advertising in the Bolton Evening News how these services are going to be done up the staff are told they are going to loose their jobs well done Euro Garages!!!
., Wed 28 Oct 2009
Time to demolish this - it looks neglected and dirty, and actually stinks. I feel sorry for the staff - it must be grim to work in such a desolate and demoralising place!
Anonymous, Sun 25 Oct 2009
This has got to be the worst and the dirtiest service station I have ever stopped at. From what I can gather, the services were modernised in '92 and may be taken over by another operator in the future, but this is no excuse for the state of the place. There were dead insects on the window sills (which incidentally were crispy, due to the duration they had been there), the paper is peeling off the walls, there's a film of grease covering most of the furnishings and the staff have adopted a 'couldn't give a toss' attitude. And why should they give a toss when their employer clearly doesn't care. PULL YOUR SOCKS UP, FIRST. YOUR SERVICES NEED TO BE REPORTED TO THE HEALTH STANDARDS AGENCY.
Sam, Tue 20 Oct 2009
well what can i say the building is a disgrace as is the staff the woman in the shop was talking non stop on her mobile not a hello a smile or a good bye and as for burger king dirty when i eventually did get served by a guy who i could only say grunted (we do speak english you know)the food was terrible is this really a burger king it falls way below the standard of burger from my local and i will be taking this up with head office!!!!!
sandra, Fri 16 Oct 2009
this place is a hole. been a hgv driver for years and this is the biggest dump i've ever been in. dirty toilets. shower is disgusting. the cafe must be illegal. there's no way that food is safe. i'm a trucker and not even i would eat that scrap. employes are misserable but not suprised working in such dingy dump hole. rather mess me self than stop in there. be carefull if you ever pay buy card as well as i've been robbed buy there staff. when that place gets demolished i'll be there with my party poppers.
dan, Tue 13 Oct 2009
god sent angels....da staff der went out of their way 2 help me...i had no phone, couldnt access my numbers to ring anyone, no money and no petrol...the staff filled my car in with 10 pound so i could get home safely...der was also i gentleman who gave me 5 pound visiting there towards my petrol...i have never met any staff with such big hearts... all i can say is a very big THANKYOU XXX
Noreen Ali, Mon 12 Oct 2009
after waiting a full 10 minutes at the burger king (empty counter) listerning to members of staff swearing and looking straight through me i gave up - dirty tables with tray after tray of disreguarded food doesnt anybody clean? will not be stopping here again
g, Mon 12 Oct 2009
Rumour has it that the staff alarm still doesnt work, but they only found out when they needed it. Shows the level of care running throughout the entire facility!
Ian Lambert, Sun 4 Oct 2009
The staff here are absolutly digracegul! Will not be coming back!
Jayne Kelly, Sat 12 Sep 2009
(Rivington South) Stopped for petrol and toilet. Difficult to find way round as no lighting. Diesel spillage by pumps. Rude, disinterested man at till. Thankful I wasn't alone as I didn't feel safe.Didn't bother to look for toilets, but couldn't and didn't see where they were.
Anonymous, Sun 6 Sep 2009
Went on a very busy Saturday but this is no excuse for no toilet paper in any of the cubicles in the ladies toilets. There seemed to be a toilet attendant - sitting on one of the toilet seats in THE only cubicle to have toilet paper - but never offered to give me any of the precious stuff and was quite happy for us to use and flush paper hand towels. The Manager hid from me when I complained to staff and nothing was done about it! Get the feeling they are happy to take the money and couldn't give a fig about the amenities, decor, or hygiene - perhaps the manager is lining his own pocket with the toilet paper budget?
Jayde Fletton, Sun 6 Sep 2009
I visited the Burger King at Bolton West around 11.45am yesterday, with my son and two other friends and their children. We ordered various items from the menu, including two chicken royale meals. When my friend was being served, the young man who was serving her dropped a bag of chicken bites and then proceeded to put them on my friend’s tray. My friend said she didn’t want food that had been dropped on the floor. After some argument, the man eventually replaced them.
My friend and I could not eat our Chicken Royale sandwiches because they were luke warm. We returned them, asking if they had a probe to check the temperature - a young woman said she would make fresh ones for us. No sooner, had we returned to our table, the woman brought the Chicken Royales over to us. Although the sandwiches were obviously not the ones we had taken back, they could not have possible been cooked from fresh, due to the very short time lapse.
After starting to eat the ‘fresh’ sandwiches, which were tasteless, we examined the contents. Firstly, the coating looked quite dark – as if it had been re-fried (hence the chicken was hot but tasted disgusting), the ‘chicken’ had an elastic, sponge-like consistency and did not look like chicken. We voiced our complaints to the young woman, taking the sandwiches back to the counter.
The duty manger than came to speak to us, brought us a copy of the ingredients list, took our names and addresses and offered to replace our meal, which we refused. AT NO TIME WERE WE OFFERED A REFUND in place of the inedible meal.
Claire Carrington, Sun 6 Sep 2009
miss a is a member of staff as is A.W
Anonymous, Sat 5 Sep 2009
regards MISS A comment, i wish i could of turned round, my hours where up in my HGV and as i'd already put it on my legal break before i took my life in my hands by walking in the place i was stuck there for a full 45 mins.
estelle, Fri 4 Sep 2009
I went to burger king with my mate at Bolton West and we both got a double cheese burger meal and as I bit into mine the burger was pink it was not cooked and i took it back to the till and when we left the resturaunt i was being sick all afternoon and i had a bad stomach i have been to this resturaunt before but i am certainly not going back there ever again because i didnt expect to be sick after having my lunch and i am disgusted in the way it was given to me and i thought they were supposed to have there cooking items at the right temperature but obviously theres were not and I ended up with food poisoning.
Russell Martin, Wed 2 Sep 2009
Just reading through the comments for bolton west services what i cant understand is if its that bad why dont you just turn round and go somewhere else instead of actually stopping and then buying something to eat.
miss A, Sat 29 Aug 2009
I was going to complain about Bolton West, but Dean Keates has said it far more eloquently than I could.
If there is a worse Service Station in the UK I would hate to see it. The sooner it is bulldozed into oblivion the better. It was dirty, the service came without a smile and the Burger King redefined "fast" food.
And don't visit the toilets unless you can sing or whistle!!
Patrick Johnson, Sat 29 Aug 2009
I am a sales rep and average 30,000 miles a year for the last 20 years and I can assure you that this is the dirtiest service station I have ever experienced. Expecially the toilets at the petrol station. Health Safety should look at them. Faeces all over the bowl and under seat. This is not just a one off mishap it is obvious been over a period of years. It is a total disgrace and not a very good impression to tourists enterin Lancashire
Lesley Kirkham, Fri 28 Aug 2009
Drove into the Northbound bomb site , no parking lines , half the car park lights were not working and potholes everywhere, nice to see there trying to enter the Chelsea garden show with weeds growing out of the paths and part of the roof, the toliets ( gents ) smacked of 1973 with brown with a hint of grime as the colour scheme, customers are kept happy by looking into the roof space from many of the closed off areas where the roof tiles have fallen down due to a leaky roof , was delighted to see the standards didnt slip as a spotty 15 year old took my order at Burger King and did his multitasking with picking his nose and scratching his arse whilst i waited for my order. If anyone has no been to Bolton West Services then do pay a visit as its experience to say the least
Dean Keates, Wed 26 Aug 2009
Customers who use Bolton West services have to put up with poor hygiene in eating areas and toilets and abysmal service from surly, unmotivated staff,
Tommy Williams, Wed 26 Aug 2009
I thought people were joking when I read all the comments on how bad Bolton West services were .......... No there right ! stay away
Jamie Day, Mon 24 Aug 2009
Hitler would have been proud of the northbound bomb site
Paul Coutts, Mon 24 Aug 2009
poor value for money, poorly managed, and poorly maintained
Joe Lewis, Sun 23 Aug 2009
This has to be the worst services ive ever been too , hope they pull it down soon
Charlie Lee, Sun 23 Aug 2009
Just stopped at the northbound services, it was like a bombsite , holes in the roofs, gents toliets was like a step back into 1970 and the coffee tasted like mud
George Boyd, Sun 23 Aug 2009
Disgusting,filthy,the ceilings are falling in ,not enough staff, not one toilet roll in any of the toilets this morning,and quite frankly i don't care if the staff hours have been cut and there are no night cleaners the basics in hygiene are not being met, The whole lot should be closed immediately.
estelle, Tue 18 Aug 2009
Why the H&SE have not closed this place down god only knows
Dave Bamber, Sun 16 Aug 2009
I visited these services the other day and wish that i had never bothered it is such a dump. the toilets are 'MINGING. there is hardly any facilities and the cafe is awful. DON'T GO TO THESE SERVICES
Michael, Tue 11 Aug 2009
It amazes me how much of a dump this place is, worth a visit to to see how bad it is. Toilets terrible, taps dont work, j clothes to catch drips. Slip roads like a gravel track, grounds not maintained, weeds everywhere.
T Ravell, Sun 2 Aug 2009
has been taken over by a company called Euro Garages LTD. The employees are all great whom i have met during my extremly pleasent stays at this motorway service station. i do believe that this business will change for the better under new managment. i hope to enjoy many more visits here when traveling from scotland and have the joy if staying in the hotel.
A.W, Sat 1 Aug 2009
Words fail me,a total dustbin of a place. I would drive past this dump.
Graham Eaton, Tue 28 Jul 2009
it is now euro garages they are treating the staff like shit. long live first motorway services they knew how to talk to their employees
anon, Sat 25 Jul 2009
i really like this motorway services. The staff are great the food is nice, maybe a bit old fashioned but what the heck stop here quite a lot i think its great.
Mr Hale, Thu 9 Jul 2009
just been talking to a member of staff apparantley they have been taken over and are now owned by eurogarages.the reason there is no staff on is because their hours have been cut,if you were planning to stop at bolton services be prepared to wait.
anon, Wed 8 Jul 2009
Called at the services this evening, thought they were closed as no staff!Then saw a poor lady on her own trying to cope with the great demand on a very very hot summers night, no managment presence - this is disgracful that 1 member of staff is left carrying the can while the fat cats sit at home getting richer not on my money any more will NOT be calling here again........
Unsatisfied Customer, Thu 2 Jul 2009
I feel like I have been robbed. After a long journey trhough the night I felt a break was needed. I stopped off at the northbound station to get a coffee and fries from the burger king and was rudly ignored by a young girl with with unhygenically plastered make up on talking on her phone. After 5 minutes of standing at the counter she aggresivly said YES! No manners what so ever. I am highly appauled with this awful behavour towards the customer service. I would have been happy to report this to a higher member of staff but the girl said no. Unfortunatly she did not have a name badge on either!
Jennifer, Thu 2 Jul 2009
i think these services should be knocked down,there an embarresment 2 the uk,no toilet roll,u cant flush the toilets,u cant wash ur hands as the water is way to hot,sort these services out
Giles Tufton, Wed 1 Jul 2009
Visited the northbound side the other day and I wasn't impressed.Roof leaking with half of the ceiling tiles stained or missing,One area closed off due to the state of the roofUnfriendly staff who just look at you like you're a pile of dog s***Decor on the toilets very dated, only warm water from the hot tap, 1 of 6 hand driers working.Car park spaces unmarked - just park where you like.
Sooner the bulldozers move in the better I say!
Mark, Sun 14 Jun 2009
So glad its been pulled down, visted it last week , staff was fine but the site is like a bomb site
Helen Race, Fri 12 Jun 2009
i am a employee of these services just been told we have been taken over by another company.all the poeple who work here are very worried about their jobs.Rob & Noel the (pricks ) owners are to blame for the state of the place not the staff.hope you are all happy with the negative feedback you have given us in the past. by the way the company is euro garages ( not a british company )
anon, Sat 6 Jun 2009
I am delighted and relieved to read that the Bolton West Services on the M61 are to be demolished and rebuilt. As an ex Boltonian I was horrified and ashamed of their shoddy condition when I visited them on 22 May 2009. The approach/exit roads are almost undriveable, buildings extremely shabby and the ladies toilets so smelly it was difficult to stay in long enough to use them! I look forward to a more inviting first impression of beautiful Bolton.
Louise Dyson, Tue 2 Jun 2009
this site has been sold maybe it will get the refurbishments it so badly needs.
samantha, Fri 22 May 2009
i stayed at this travelodge last night being tuesday 19 may in romm 203. i know the actual service area is rather dull and dated but that did not put me off again. the staff are very nice there was two ladies when i checked in that was very pleasent and was a great help as i was actually lost. i went for breakfast in the restaurant which was very quiet but nice. i will be i think
ms hovile, Wed 20 May 2009
I called in here ont way to Accrington and found that the staff wear brilliant and didn't leave me waiting for owt. The burgers from the canteen were good and far better than a Burger King. Shabby place but grate staff and good food. This place is almost as good Wolverhampton. It's the people that make this a good services.
J G Ballard, Sun 17 May 2009
I cannot speak for the northbound facilities.
I stayed here for 5 nights and I was charmed by the place. I don't know how I would feel if I was just 'stopping off'.
The car park and pot-holed roads are a disgrace - but that's the fault of the Highways AGency, not the msa operator.
Riding a motorcycle I was appalled about the cattle grids on curves on either side of the bridge acros the motorway - very dangerous when it had been raining. Once again, the responsibility for this is down to the Highways Agency.
I found the premises a bit dated, but charming. On an extended stay, I found the staff to be really pleasant. The Travelodge receptionist, who had been there ofr only a month, was very profesional and seem interested in my comings and goings.
The restaurant was sadly underused by the travelling public. True, there was not an endless supply of re-heated food just sitting htere for hours awaiting customers. Instead, everything I had was cooked to order. A 5 or 10 minue wait was well worth it.
Yes, it's a dated, it needs a refurbishment. I hope that any refurb does not remove the charm of the staff.
David Probett, Sat 16 May 2009
What an absolute disgrace the burger king is in northbound. it was like something out of africa. woeful, unhappy and rude staff who smell and looked more like a crimanal line up than workers made me a whooper meal that was cold n i even found hair estensions in the chips disgusting this place needs knockin down and replaced by kfc.
Keith Mooney, Wed 13 May 2009
The beautiful lady in question thought the rather dashing and fantastically tall chap picked the ideal venue. I have high hopes for Forton.
Ms Bennet, Sun 10 May 2009
i visit the sevices every week on my way to preston.i have always found it to be one of the best for food and friendly staff the two ladies in the coffee shop are a credit to the company.the place is old but very clean.
lance mc gowan, Tue 5 May 2009
Due to a complex set of circumstances I recently had the pleasure of taking a beautiful lady on a date to Bolton West Services and found them to be delightful. If you're looking for a main stream generic "McServices" then this place isn't for you. However, if you enjoy all things English and are prepared to look beyond the slightly tired surroundings you can have a thoroughly enjoyable visit. For the record, I do concurr with the other posters comments re the amount adult interest magazines available, simply staggering.
C Firth, Mon 4 May 2009
Personally I found the services to be full of charm from a forgotten era, when motorways marked an era of hope and new enterprise. Unlike it's uniformly clinical compatriots, Bolton West has a genunine air of homely comfort and serves very good tea. I am told it also has a wide range of smut avilable to buy in the shop. So, a fabulous all rounder and I highly recommend a visit.
Ms G Stein, Fri 1 May 2009
Potholes everywhere , no southbound lighting , food rubbish
Bolton West Services are the Worst Services In England
Alan Taylor, Tue 28 Apr 2009
Good Points: The exit
Bad Points: Terrible food. I bought what I thought was a cheese and onion baguette. It contained cheap cheese, a few rings of onion, some rancid lettuce, some cubes of what I thought was chicken (turned out to be frankfurter sausage) and something I assumed was pineapple from the way it looked, but was certainly not. I still have no idea what it was.
General comments: Apart from the general air of depression and neglect, the food is appalling and utterly inedible. The car park was a potholed wasteland, the cafeterias empty and depressing. Truly awful.
Ian Wisbech, Mon 20 Apr 2009
Apart from above, this place has a very sinister feel to it, the car park and access roads are potholed and unlit and ones first impression is that it is closed, unfortunately.....it isn't. Service is no better once inside, surly and diffident staff. Perfect setting for a horror movie.
Laura Pinchbeck, Mon 20 Apr 2009
This has to be the worst services in England its so bad ive e-mailed the H&SE to complain, as many have put before the Southbound services are the worse
https://www.hse.gov.uk/feedbac...
Next stop the local MP
Paul Johnson, Sun 19 Apr 2009
the entrance to the southbound site is a disgrace. as i entered the carpark i was almost thrown from my motorcycle as the front end disappeared into one of the massive, unavoidable, craters! thats not an exageration, these things are huge. and since the incident im sure theres damaged been done to my vehicle. someone should get a severe kick in the backside for allowing the place to get in such a state. i wont be stopping there again and would advise anyone who wants to keep there vehicle in working order to avoid it like the plague
D, leeds, Sat 18 Apr 2009
Stopped off on the Southbound services, just a few words , what a crap hole !
Miss Jayde Baxter, Fri 6 Mar 2009
Is this place stuck in the 1970's , very very poor ( Northbound ) , place looks a right crap hole
Mr Noel Jenkinson, Fri 6 Mar 2009
stopped off here on thursday 27th february. Had to walk over the bridge which i was not all that happy about then i went to shop woman was to busy talkin on her mobile phone to be bothered serving me and asked her for a manager which she said no there is not one here now and then after that was busy talking to someone else when i was going to ask her for an address so went to the cafe for a take away drink nobody there so i didnt get a drink. wont be stopping here again as i told the rude cashier on the way out she said ok. very rude think you need sort out your staff two rude ones in shop none in restaurant
michael southern, Sun 1 Mar 2009
I went to the burger king at this sevrice station and found that at memer of staff with the name gemma on her badge was very rude and ignorant towards me. I think a new recriting line should be put in place!!!
Anonymous, Tue 24 Feb 2009
this must be the worst managed place i have ever been to. i went 1 day last week and there wasnt 1 manager on site to deal with my complaint.perhaps a rebuilt would also benefit from new management
david seddon, Fri 20 Feb 2009
I travel all over the country in my line of work& im afraid i can only add to the negative comments about this place!,rundown,dated ghost ship,by far the worse msa i have visited in the country!
tony west, Mon 9 Feb 2009
It looks like a bomb site when you enter the car park , however the Northbound site is better than the Southbound Site as the car parking lighting never seems to work at all and you leave your car in a pitch black car park
Paul Johnson, Sun 8 Feb 2009
OMG That was the worst service station i have ever visited. If you ever go in there.... just look at the roof tiles HA! Boarded up windows, smashed windows fixed with tape and generally not looked after. I ate at burger king as i didnt trust the restaurant. Funny little place though.If you saw the manager - you would know what Peter Kay was on about and he got the fatness absolutly correct.
Adam, Tue 27 Jan 2009
Very run down service station!!! a red haired girl in shop was rather rude only looked about 15 and had no idea what she was doing and did not apolgize and said 1.35 and took my money and that was all i think its very rude no please or thankyou. i asked if i could have a vat reciept she said no dont have any discusted i was with the service i recieved i do think you should employ adults not kidz and teach them a few manners
m.shawe, Thu 8 Jan 2009
I found the staff cheerful and helpful. However the place itself is horrible. I travel a lot and this is the worst 'service' station bar none. I won't be back until it has been rebuilt.
Mick Grant, Fri 2 Jan 2009
It's the 'FIRST' and last time I stop here. I went to the toilets and went to wash my hands. The tap knob I used sliced into my thumb and drew blood. The tap knob has razor sharp edges and god knows what germs are harboured. Other taps are similar or don't have knobs on so yuo cannot use them. The whole place feels greasey and dirty.
Mike Tocher, Fri 12 Dec 2008
just like sandbach service quite poor very basic the staff on the whole try but can only do so much due to the quality of what is on offer a bull dozer would be a kindness
steve ashworth, Sun 30 Nov 2008
Very run down service station! but staff are good been in a few times in last month always had a friendly face! one thing thou i think you should have more information on your travelodge they dont have leaflets even iv asked twice but yes the staff are polite only normally go to the shop though bit pricy but the service is good
Lee, Thu 9 Oct 2008
This is not only the worst motorway services but what I would consider as the most disgusting places I've had the misfortune to use the bathroom. Someone somewhere must think its cool to keep it looking the same as it did in 'that peter kay thing'
Anonymous, Mon 15 Sep 2008
firstly stopped at the shop to fin d the ignorant lady talking on her phone then when served me was too busy talking to another member of staff which i found very ignorant! went to the cafe to get a hot drink there was a young girl from travelodge there on the telephone to what sounded like a customer. when she finished she said she will go and find the assistant and she appologised then she got the woman the shop assistant was talking to was not impressed at this point then another person appeared who also worked in the cafe and was also pleasent and appologised abount my dilema as the woman from the shop came was rude (she was skinny and needs manners at least two out of four of your staff have respect)
discusted, Sat 13 Sep 2008
Had the misfortune to visit here. Long time since my last visit, thankfully. The place is the absolute pits! Staff are too busy eating, drinking, talking on mobiles to be 4rsed to serve you. Toilets?? Sign outside should say 'Twinned with Chernobyl and Bhopal'...absolute 5hit hole. Emergency/side door propped open with a disused soil pipe [to the uninitiated this is the pipe which conveys your 'waste' to the sewer]...nice. Every tap is wrapped with a Jay Cloth as the taps, if they work, dripp all over the place.Toilet seats covered with toilet paper as a 'barrier'. The place is a disgrace the management should be made to clean up the site in their own time AND then fired. It has not got like this overnight. Makes you want to vomit, but you would be better waiting until the M6 or M60 services to do this as you may notbe able to stop yourself. Peter Kay filmed here once and I am sure that was the last time it got cleaned. So bad Bob Carolgees drove straight on, apparently
unhappy traveller, Fri 29 Aug 2008
Visited here around 10.15pm to find the shop was closed was not impressed one bit, the restaurant was open but had to wait 20 minuites for something hot to eat the member of staff that that served me was sat at the table with another member of staff and did not want to get up to serve me and when did had no manners what so ever sort your shop opening times out this is pathetic and your staffs CUSTOMER SERVICES
joan deleany, Thu 7 Aug 2008
i visited this dump yesterday and asked the cleaner if he could get me the manager to which he replied "they will probably be at the back door fagging it. they spend most of the day there. the only time you see them is when the bosses come up from wales." no wonder the place is how it is
ray holland, Tue 29 Jul 2008
Quite the most disgusting services I have ever been to. The general areas weren't too bad but the toilets were maloderous and had no toilet paper or soap - yuk!!! Will not be stopping there again.
Alexandra Sharman, Mon 28 Jul 2008
This place is a little gem! I am sorry to hear it is being renovated because it had such a special feel to it and the furnishings were traditional just how I like it.
Sally, Sun 13 Jul 2008
Visted the service station tonight, was very quiet but got fresh food as the lady in blue had to cook fresh the one in red was bit rude! went into shop as well was nice to see two happy faces laughing and having a joke with the customers
J.Mather, Tue 8 Jul 2008
The dirtiest, depressing, pathetic services I've ever had the misorftune to stop at. Nearly went on my backside in the gents toilet due to broken floor tiles. The guy who served looked as if he needed a hose down. To be fair apparently they are carrying out major refurbishment in September, my suggestion would be to demolish it and start again. If you read this before September and your not to desperate drive on to the next services.
George McDonald., Mon 7 Jul 2008
i was talking to a member of staff today, apprentley these services are being taken over by moto. Perhaps it will finally get some much needed investment... although a bulldozer would be a good start
John, Mon 7 Jul 2008
We call here on the way back from either Cumbria or Scotland after long rides.They must have freshened the place up a bit because the toilets are reasonably clean now and the cafe area with clean tables etc. The staff are very polite although a bit grumpy (UK'itis?). Who can blame them, its not the most glamorous work place I've seen. Very run down exterior but the inside is quite pleasant.The approach road is lethal on a motorcycle and the exit is no better. No free water at the services, I thought this was now a legal requirement?
R Taylor, Thu 19 Jun 2008
I can't help but feel that driving my car into the No 4 reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear plant would do less damage to both my car and my nervous system than attempting the assault course that is the crater littered road around this health hazard of a site. Indeed, lessons could be learned from the aforementioned power plant in that covering the place with a large concrete sarcophagus would be easier on the senses (sight and smell) than when entering the toilets here. Tragic.
Andy F, Thu 19 Jun 2008
I travel around the Uk with work and have had the misfortune to stop at these services on a number of occasions. On the last visit I asked what hot food was available, the member of staff grunted and motioned towards a menu and walked away. After a few minutes a scottish chap asked what I would like, I gave him my order and stood for 5 minutes. Grumpy lady came back and took my order again, and told me they weren't doing brunch that evening Grrrr. being diabetic I asked for anything that was available. When it arrived it wasnt too bad, the staff definately need some customer service training!
Andy, Thu 12 Jun 2008
Utterly dreadful, the worst I visit, and I cover a lot of ground on my travels. Food choices are pathetic, service is awful, and they NEVER have VAT receipts (the machine is, it seems, broken - perhaps a visit from the HMRC might chivvy them along to fix it?)
The buildings are run down, but not in comparison to the car park which makes them look good.
Avoid like the plague, or you'll probably catch something nasty.
Phil, Mon 9 Jun 2008
a terrible disgrace.overgrown grass filthy toilets.
shplatt, Tue 27 May 2008
the service station is advertising a total fefurb. about time they living in 1970s. but i have to say hope they still keeping shop staff on. they nicest friendliest by none.also i staye in travel lodge and receptionist more than help ful so all the moaners on this web site do not no the true help ful staff at bolton west ..
karl stephens, Sun 4 May 2008
well it may be a bit old fashioned and decorated but the staff are great and always help and are very friendly i call in a lot and have stayed the night in the Travelodsge which the rooms are good adn not as old fashioned as the reat of the building in fact no complains there also the food may be pricy but you get alot and it is cooked to order and that is better as you know its fresh i meen i come in at evening so dont know about day time but ten out of ten for customer service and friendliness to all staff at bolton west
Loz, Mon 14 Apr 2008
visited these services 2 days ago and i must say that the building is in an appaling state nothing works,toilets disgraceful, only 2 of the gamblers were working,not enough deal or no deal machines,ceiling tiles falling down. i have heartful sorrow for the staff who have to workin in this terrible place i didnt know how they gave me such great service nice,hot and fresh food, burger king 5*, the small indian fellow named Jai was excellent in his customer service skills he even suggested to us the triple whopper which i immediatly purchased. overall bad services just a coincidence its near the A666! the managers of this place should burn in hell
sog, Mon 14 Apr 2008
A total dump as others have observed, but there are signs indicating that it's going to be flattened and rebuilt this year, starting with the northbound side in Sept 08
Steve Bentley, Fri 4 Apr 2008
On Friday 8.2.08 I travelled to Manchester, stopping at Bolton (First) going south and at Tebay (Westmorland) going north. The contrast between the two was a amazing. Bolton was very rundown, with scruffy carpets and very few customers. The staff seemed subdued. Westmorland was a joy, clean, full of customers and with an excellent farm shop. If only all British services were like Westmorland.
Alan Lammin, Mon 11 Feb 2008
I VISITED THIS SERVICE ON THE WAY BACK FROM BLACKPOOL ON 2 FEB WHAT A DISGUSTING MESS THERE WAS 2 WOMEN SAT AT A TABLE THEY WERE STAFF, THE PLACE WAS ICEY COLD AND THEY WERE SAT ROUND AN HALOGEN HEATER THE CARPET LOOK LIKE IT WAS FULL OF BLACK TAR THE WALLS HAD STAINS THAT LOOKED LIKE SOME ONE HAD THROWN TEA UP THEM I HAD MY GRANSON WITH ME HE WANTED FEEDING BUT IT WAS TO COLD AND NOT VERY WELCOMING SO WE WENT BACK TO THE CAR LEAVING OUR REFRSHMENTS AS THEY HAD SOON TURNED COLD I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO VISIT THAT SERVICE AGAIN WE WERE GOING TO STAY AT THE TRAVEL LODGE BUT MY WIFE WOULD NOT JUST IN CASE IT NEEDED A GOOD CLEAN LIKE THE SERVICES I AM SORRY IF YOU FEEL THAT I AM A MOUNER BUT WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD ALL DAY WITH A VERY TIRED FAMILY ALL YOU WANT IS SOME WHERE WELCOMING THIS TIME WE DID NOT GET IT. MR M MCGEACHIE 4/2/2008
MARTIN MCGEACHIE, Mon 4 Feb 2008
What a welcome relief these services proved to be after a particularly stressful journey along the M61 - there really are some maniacs out there (one articulated truck driver even had the audicity to overtake us !!). The services were peacefull and relaxing with hardly anybody about to cause a disturbance. We were especially delighted by the complimentary refreshments provided in the shop and cafe. We helped ourselves to a bacon sandwich and cuppa each (both were a little cold, but what do you expect for free !). I think this is a welcome initiative and its encouraging that you trust your customers so much that you don't feel it necessary to have staff monitoring us (only wish you'd apply this principle to the petrol station, ha, ha !). Overall a pleasant experience and a bold experiment that provides a welcome direction for the MSA of the future. Frankly we didn't want to leave - so we didn't, we relaxed for a few more hours after which we helped ourselves to a plate of cottage pie. Were we being a bit naughty ?
Craig Noble, Sat 19 Jan 2008
These services gave me manic depression.i was approached by some working girls offering their "services" for 50p...then accosted by a groundskeeper who tried to give me GHB and take me to the toilets, which would have been ok if they werent so minging!DO NOT GO EVER, STAY ON THE M-WAY TILL WELCOME BREAK, MUCH BETTER AND THEY DO EARL GREY AND TOAST FOR £3.50
BOB, Tue 8 Jan 2008
An absolute disgrace and so depressing not only for the customers to visit, but for the poor staff to work in. I asked if it was about to be closed down for redevelopment as it looked like the 'Marie Celeste'! Trading Standards should be informed and the owners of the site taken to court!!!
Faye Morris, Mon 31 Dec 2007
Went for a to stay with a friend for the weekend, as I do 3 or 4 times a year! The road in and around the services has needed to be resurfed for some time (at least the last 2 or 3 years) but now the inside is being left to rot!!! Outward bound (south side) on Friday my only comment was the toliets looked like they weren't being maintained but on my return today it was the toliets, and the cafe area that turned my stomach! Compared to other service areas on my route, these are shambles - I wonder what environmental health would think! Clearly in need of modernisation!!!
Kathryn, Mon 3 Dec 2007
A party of 45 children which I led descended on the Northbound services. It was like 1970's Poland. The shop (closing time 7 p.m.) put the shutters down and the assistant counted the takings from 6-40 to 7-00 p.m. while the kids watched unable to get in. How's that for indifference?
An absolute joke.
David, Fri 30 Nov 2007
Graham, Im glad your hand dryer was working. I attempted to use three dryers today, and two of them wernt working! The two cubicles i went into were dirty and had no toilet paper.Why do we bother?
CJ, Tue 27 Nov 2007
The hand drier in the gents was like a blast of air from the north pole. It was so cold that my wedding ring fell off and due to the excessive noise I never heard it hit the floor.
Graham Matthews, Mon 26 Nov 2007
Absolutely disgusting. The toilets facilities are so bad they make you want to heave. ALL sink taps leak and have little bits of J cloth around them to stop the drips. Cracked dirty and misssing floor and eiling tiles. Smell from the toilets is worse than those at a pop festival. They have been like this for 20 odd years since they were called Anderton Services. Only bonus is that you don't get pestered by Credit Card Girls or Car Park scammers like you do at Knutsford Sandbach and Keele.
disgusted traveller, Mon 26 Nov 2007
It was as if we had stepped into the 'twilight zone' of a bad horror film. Tables were full of rubbish, floor was covered in rubbish and we couldn't bear to stay there for a break.
Liz, Mon 19 Nov 2007
Dreadful, depressing, dreary, dirty, hasn't been touched since it was originally built, missing/dirty ceiling tiles, broken shutters, 'staff' casual dress, toys chained down, horible, horrible, horrible.
rob and pete, Fri 16 Nov 2007
These services are a national disgrace. They are the most dilapidated I have ever visited. The Car Park and pot holed approached roads are a clue to what may be found inside. I was not disappointed, the stench and dankness could not be reproduced without an eye to years of neglect. The amazing part is that they have managed to produce this on both sides of these M61 Services.
Whatever your expected personal standards are of Motorway Services, take 90 percent away and you have the M61 Bolton West Services. If you have high expectations, take away the 100 percent and some more.
J Sheldon, Sun 14 Oct 2007
I travel all over the UK, this HAS to be the worst services in the country.
ian Tulloch, Sat 13 Oct 2007
Friday 14.09.07. Northbound. Lunchtime. Stopped for a bite to eat & comfort break. Toilets were disgusting, Two were blocked with unflushed contents. The one I found just usable would not flush, the adjoining one had a broken handle. It was terrible. It was embarrassing. You should be ashamed to be in business. A very bad advert for motorway services. Terrible impression for visitors to our country. A health hazard.
T. Danby, Mon 17 Sep 2007
on visiting your services on sun 29th july at aprox 6pm i called in the retail shop got a sandwich and a drink got to the till and there were no cashier in sight after waiting the que had built up i looked around and the lady came wondering back to the shop in deep conversation on her mobile phone she continue to serve me while still in conversation on her mobile the is a disgrace i only wish i was not so honest as i could have walked out with a lot of your stock and no one would have known.wot a joke
adam, Wed 1 Aug 2007
We were travelling southbound on the M61 and had to stop for petrol. We were travelling from the car park to the petrol station when we went over a series of potholes. After trying to avoid them we went over an unseen pothole covered by a puddle and as a result our tyre burst! We luckily pulled onto the petrol station car park but then after having a further look and after the AA man removing the tyre we could see the wheel had been completely dinted. Avoid this petrol station at all costs!
Lucy, Tue 17 Jul 2007
Quite the most unpleasant services i have ever seen in all my years of travelling.The place needs to be pulled down and is a health hazzard.The person who took my money for a coffee was a Scottish guy working with Becky Gray (On the receipt) .His language was foul and by the till he had a plate of half eaten steak pie which he failed to be bothered to move.drive past everyone please !!
Howard Cheetham, Thu 5 Jul 2007
i used to work at this services. It is indeed being modernised but it isnt the same company first buses, it is infact a totally seperate company.
~Onion~, Thu 31 May 2007
i visited the north bound side of the services resently i thought the building its self could be modernised although a lovely young girl at the java blue cafe called gemma informed me that it was being renovated i am an elderly man with a disablled wife and the lady helped us alot it was nice to see a friendly face but the lady at the retail was very rude and for the generation of us being in the shop she was on her mobile phone and did not like helping very much.
michael addison, Sat 26 May 2007
this service station is amazing in that the smell when you reach the main building, the toilets are a disgrace.i actualy saw rats jumping around outside, at least 2 people were asleep in the main restaurant and then i saw one rather drunken lady vomit all over the table , never again
bryan, Sun 8 Apr 2007
We had the misfortune to have to visit this service station at 9am on Sunday 11th March 2007. It is evident that the 15mph speed limit is not to reduce accidents but to prevent damage to your car from the appauling state of the roads/car park. I took my 7 yr old daughter to use the ladies, They were disgusting! Toilets missing, or covered with binbags. Seats so dirty that I daren't touch them to put them down. My eldest son who took his brother to the gents tells me they weren't any better.
We wiped our feet on the way out!
Rachel Cooper, Mon 12 Mar 2007
Just had the displeasure of stopping at this service station. Very !! unhelpful, ill mannerd and un hygenic staff!! with filthy floors oh yes take a close look at the corners .. If you dare! or even glance at the celing .. Dont even consider visiting the toilets .. The Car Park is Cleaner !!!! i am shocked and disgusted that the individuals who work (said very loosly) here have so little respect for their own personal standards but yet this is truly reflected by the surroundings. enviornmental health should shut this place immedietley it is a health hazard. Does this service station have Managers ???
disgusted !!, Sat 24 Feb 2007
After recently stopping at this service station i was shocked at the state of the building. The ceiling is falling down when it rains! The food was lovely and fresh although expensive. We spoke to the pleasant burger king and java cafe staff was informed that they are having a new rebuild. Although not all the staff were friendly. I would avoid the retail at all cost. The so called lady there was on her mobile phone whilst serving me and made it plainly obvious that i was interrupting her!
., Fri 9 Feb 2007
I travel very extensively and was shocked by the terrible standards of cleanliness and lack of modern facilities at this service area. It is as though the 21st century has not happened at Bolton West. I made the mistake of stopping there once - won't be doing again
David White, Thu 8 Feb 2007
on visiting your services 7pm i have to say it was not the most glamorous of places but the staff was very helpful and polite when i ask the receptionist for directions she could not do enough for me very nice to see people with nice attitudes towards customer services.
warren mcmahon, Sat 9 Dec 2006
Showers are absolutely filthy.tiles broken at the shower base, shower rail hanging off and floors not very clean and as you are charging drivers 11GBP per night this is outrageous.
Billy Hunter, Sat 18 Nov 2006
I visited this service station today and was alarmed at the state of the ladies loo - I was even more alarmed to read on this site that they were in the same state last December! There are still loo's with bin bags on them, loo's missing and tiles chipped off. The sinks were leaking and the place was poorly lit. Needless to say I will not be calling at these services again!
Alison Bradbury, Fri 17 Nov 2006
Without doubt the worst services we have ever stopped at - shocking.We followed the signs for Burger King from the southbound side of the services and had to cross motorway footbridge with no lighting (scary) then wander round in the dark trying to find the entrance on the northbound side.We felt totally vulnerable with our 1 year old son.Unsafe sinister placeWe won't be stopping here again
K Scott, Mon 6 Nov 2006
First Motorway Services are not part of First the transport group, but were a management buyout from Granada in the mid-1990s.
Matthew Kilburn, Fri 6 Oct 2006
Wish I had read these comments before stopping here last night.Haveing driven from Carlisle in a Transit with a car on the back we needed a break & some food. What a shambles, apathetic staff, no hot food available without a 20 min wait. "we cook food to order at quiet times" - surely the middle of the night is a quiet time - not 7 on a Sunday evening!!.Maybe its always quiet because everyone else knows to avoid the place.There were 9 other people leaving in disgust at the same time as us. Anyone know how to contact the manager to complain?
Les Twigg, Mon 15 May 2006
perhaps if there was an obvious idication that there is a manager or even a director who knows what a manager is things would be better. Maybe an un announced visit or two would project the staff in a light they deserve
john unsworth, Sun 23 Apr 2006
Made the unfortunate mistake of visiting this service station for something to eat, wish we hadn't bothered. The food looked like it had been out all day, (some chilli, curry and some rice all hard) this I only bought as my daughter was too hungry to wait, and then couldn't eat it because it wasn't cooked. All of the staff were just sitting down together watching sky news. Buying something from the shop was equally as bad the cashier wouldn't get off the phone to serve me had it welded to her ear the whole time. This service station was like a ghost ship it appears anyone who wants decent service obviously knows to go elsewhere!!
Mrs Lewis, Tue 11 Apr 2006
I visited the ladies toilets on the Northbound side of Motorway.They are a thorough disgrace.
1. Many had black bin liners over the loo seats and were unusable.I tried 6 loos before there was one that i could actually use.Tiles were broken on the floor.Doors would not shut or lock.
Some were even missing the loo.
This is a neglected and unsupervised ladies loo that needs urgently to be sorted out and managed properly.
I suggest that the management pull their finger out and do an unannounced inspection.
Mrs White, Fri 23 Dec 2005
I like these services. They are usually quiet and the toilets are clean. An episode of 'That Peter Kay Thing' was filmed here, featuring the trials and tribulation of a services manager.
Malcolm Coghill, Mon 19 Sep 2005
Rivington Services M61 is a 2 burger rated service area.
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