A COMPANY with about 340 petrol filling stations up and down the United Kingdom has taken control of a former go kart circuit which could be turned into a petrol station and hotel.

Euro Garages has acquired the former Raceland Karting Centre site off the A1, between Gladsmuir and Longniddry.

A sign beside the site, which closed on January 19, was put up earlier this week highlighting that the company had “acquired” the site.

According to its website: “Our vision is simple.

“We have a passion for quality. We have a passion for customer service and we have a passion for delivering premium retail convenience to all our customers.

“By developing relationships with partner brands, our unique roadside retail portfolio has grown to more than 67 Starbucks drive-to and drive-thru restaurants, 153 Subway sub-stations and 104 Greggs bakeries.

“These partner brand relationships enable us to deliver world-class fuel, convenience, food and drink offerings that exceed the expectations of the modern consumer.”

Plans were lodged with East Lothian Council just over a year ago to transform the site.

The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was lodged by Clarendon Planning and Development Ltd on behalf of Karting Indoors Ltd, which ran the site.

Formal plans are yet to be submitted for the scheme, which could see a petrol station, drive-thru takeaway and hotel created, alongside up to 300 jobs.

Tom Cameron, who ran Raceland alongside his wife Jan for 27 years, had thanked everyone for their support with the business after deciding it was time to retire earlier this year.

In a statement on the company’s website, they said: “We would like to thank all our many customers, friends and fantastic staff for making the whole experience truly enjoyable, worthwhile and memorable.

“Huge thanks to all our young club drivers, many of whom have gone on to prove to be the best kart racers and car racers in Scotland and the UK.

“They demonstrated all the time everything that is good in good motorsport: fast, competitive racing, high skill levels and good friendships in a great, safe environment.

“Thanks also to all the many adults who visited the centre who enjoyed the opportunity to get a feel for motorsport, feeling like a real racer and giving it their best.”