Fifteen per cent of Cambridgeshire’s petrol stations have closed in the past six years.

Figures from The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) revealed 12 dealer sites closed in the region between 2008-13.

In total, 40 sites have been closed down in the East of England and 260 jobs lost.

Brian Madderson, Chairman of the PRA, said: “The closure of each and every petrol forecourt in the East of England means the loss of local jobs for local people and has a negative impact on the economy in the area.

“It is also the loss of a local convenience not just for those seeking to purchase fuel but other every day essentials that so many sites now offer their customers.

“We are particularly concerned with the sites in rural locations which have closed, creating fuel Ddeserts in those communities which rely on the service the most.”