A petrol station along a busy road in Reading is due to continue to operate 24 hours a day and sell alcohol.

Asda Express took over the Esso Spar petrol station in Berkeley Avenue, Southcote as part of a nationwide expansion earlier this year.

The fuel station sits at a prominent location on the A4, a major east-west route, and part of the ‘strategic M4 diversion route’ that runs through Reading when parts of the motorway are closed.

Now, Asda Express has applied to sell alcohol at all times of the day and night, and sell food and soft drinks from 11pm to 5am each morning.

Asda has applied to conduct these sales in a licensing application to Reading Borough Council.

You can comment on the application by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk. The deadline for representations is Friday, June 28.

The fuel station served was open 24 hours when it was operated by Spar.

However, it is understood a new licensing application is required now the fuel station has been taken over by Asda.

The change comes as more than 100 previous Esso Spar sites have been converted into Asda fuel stations across the country.

Another example of a converted site is the fuel station along Reading Road in Pangbourne.

A spokesperson for Asda previously said: “This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market. We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK.”

Asda also has superstores in Tilehurst and Lower Earley.