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Aust (Severn View)
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Now no longer on the M4, since the M4 is
diverted over the second Severn Bridge, opened in 1996. This stretch of
Motorway is now the M48.
For
many, a favored stop off on the M4 because of the view it once offered
The diversion of the M4 led to a decline in the MSA's customers. It was
expected that the site would close, and in advance of this, the main building
which offered splendid views of the bridge and the River Severn, was closed
and sold off to become offices of a technology company. The services remained
open in a building adjacent to the petrol station, but it was expected
that this would close. However, the custom did not fall off as much as
expected, so the services remain open, even though they have been removed
off certain road maps.
The original building was purchased from Granada in
late 2000,
and sold to Motion Media. They had
planning permission to alter the buildings to suit their needs, and moved
there from various sites around Bristol in Summer 2001
The
Severn Bridge opened in 1966,
replacing a ferry service at the site. The ruins of the ferry terminal
are still visible at beach level. The tidal waters here are treacherous,
making a crossing here a impossibility for many years.
In 1995, The lead guitarist of the Manic
Street Preachers, Ritchie James, went missing. The last trace of him
was his L reg Cavalier, which he left in the service area car park. He
has never been found, but there is speculation that might have jumped
from the bridge. This was just before the Manic Street Preachers acheived
huge commercial success, and its a great shame that such a great talent
is lost.
A 1978 Government report names Aust as having the largest public cafeteria
of all MSA's. In those days however the transport and public cafe's were
generally separate and the MSA in '78 with the largest combined seating
capacity was Toddington
M4 Aust 1974 (photo by Michael Evans)
The
smaller Severn View Services, is very small and compact. Has a shop, loo,
cash machine (handy for bridge tolls) and BK, and not enough room to swing
a cat. The clientele were not too friendly when I visited (a boozed up
coach having a stop) the best thing about Severn View remains the view,
but you now have to do some walking.
There is a view point, not signed, and could technically be out-of bounds
since the technology company owns the land now and the sign on the road
says PRIVATE. However, there is a footpath which is public, and for those
who wish to walk either across or just onto the Severn Bridge itself,
its a pleasant free walk!
From the Car Park, go around the back of the services building, past the
petrol station, there is a gap in the hedge and a footpath sign. Go though
here, and you will find yourself walking on a public footpath which crosses
over the top of the Toll Booths (an odd experience in itself!) Once you
are across the motorway, turn right and you are shortly beside the motorway
at the start of the Severn Bridge. (possibly the only place in the UK
where you can legally walk beside a motorway!)
Just getting to the bridge is enough for a view, but you can walk, across
for free, or mountain bike across. The services have a 2 hour limit on
parking, but it tends not to be checked. However thats plenty for a walk
for the view, or to bike across.
From
the roof of the Toll Plaza |
Footpath
beside the M48 on the Severn Bridge |
Thanks:
James (aka Robin Cook)
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