It was good to see Helen Pidd going out to check the facts behind the Transport Focus survey in her story on Hartshead Moor East services (Beach balls and lime green loos: a brief stop at Britain’s worst services, 19 October). As a regular customer there, I’ve always found that it offers a well-presented and reliable range of food, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.
Importantly, for commuters heading into Leeds, Hartshead Moor is also ideally placed to grab a coffee before braving the city-bound traffic jams on the M621. Yes, Skelton Lakes might have its own country park and more food outlets, but it would take more than a Pret a Manger or a Pizza Express to tempt time-pressed commuters to drive past Leeds and head up the M1 for their quick pit stop. Some motorway services will always get better ratings than others but, apart from reliable fare and a friendly welcome, the key thing with motorway services is – like houses – location, location, location.
Graeme Cooper
Wallasey, Merseyside
