Refurbishment of the Co-op store and petrol station in Broadford, Skye, has been re-scheduled following public pressure. The closure was originally scheduled to start on Monday August 27, which would have left the island without a 24- hour petrol station for three months during the tourist season. Now, however, after a meeting between Broadford and Strath Community Council (BSCC) and the project manager, it has been agreed the project will now start on Monday October 29. The Co-op’s plans include adding a fuel pump, a jet wash and electronic vehicle charging points. Refurbishment of the shop will not start until January 7 and will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one will see the front of the shop, adjacent to the petrol station, closed with 3,000 square feet at the rear of the store available for shopping. When the first phase is complete, the shopping area will be switched to the front of the shop while the rear is refurbished meaning the Co-op shop can remain open during the refurbishment. Talks are still ongoing over continued fuel supplies during the upgrade. BSCC has made it clear a complete closure would have a devastating eThect on the community and the many businesses that operate within the area. BSCC chairman Hamish Fraser said: ‘We will continue to press for interim provision and are encouraged at the positive attempts by the project manager to provide that lifeline service during refurbishment.’