From art deco apartments in Sussex to a trendy burger bar in London, some of England's former petrol stations are enjoying a new lease of life following creative makeovers.
26 Oct 2016 . London, UNITED KINGDOM. Reuters/Toby Melville
In London, a distinctive old petrol station forecourt has bloomed into a florist.
26 Oct 2016 . London, UNITED KINGDOM. Reuters/Toby Melville
Another enjoyed a spell as an open air cinema before closure and an expected renovation into commercial property.
28 Apr 2016 . East Preston, UNITED KINGDOM. Reuters/Toby Melville
The overhaul opportunities have been created as more than 20,000 stations closed in the United Kingdom over the past 40 years, according to the U.K.'s Petroleum Industry Association (PIC).
11 Oct 2016 . Olney, UNITED KINGDOM. Reuters/Toby Melville
Almost 8,500 stations were left in Britain at the end of 2015, with the PIC blaming the closures on strong competition and the expense of complying with environmental regulations.
While large chain service stations, who carry lower overheads per litre sold, have been better placed to survive, smaller, independent outlets have tended to struggle.
29 Jul 2016 . Taunton, UNITED KINGDOM. Reuters/Toby Melville
At the old Black Cat Garage near Tiverton, in the south-west English county of Devon, a rusting old pump can be seen outside the small outlet where a closed sign hangs on the worn green door.