Coalville-based truck stop makes offer to 'desperate' Ukrainian drivers

By Graham Hill 3rd Mar 2022

Ukrainian drivers have been made the gesture by Bardon Truck Stop. Photo: Dreamstime
Ukrainian drivers have been made the gesture by Bardon Truck Stop. Photo: Dreamstime

Bardon Truck Park has offered safe parking and access to East Midlands Airport to Ukrainian drivers in the UK.

The Coalville site operator, based close to the M1 junction, has extended the gesture to those who 'desperately' need help.

The move comes in light of the current Russian incursion into Ukraine.

Bardon Truck Park is a Truck and Trailer parking facility for short stayovers and contract parking.

A message has also been sent out in the Ukrainian language.

The Truck Stop, situated in Beveridge Lane, Bardon Lane, says: "In light of the current situation, any Ukrainian drivers/operators who desperately require safe parking whilst in our area please get in touch.

"Any assistance you may require we will try our best to help!

"If you must leave your truck and need to get to an airport ASAP, then we will get you a lift where possible.

"We have facilities for you, shower, toilet, internet, hot drinks etc.

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BBC East Midlands Today reported that the truck park manager said he wanted to help the drivers after their fuel cards and debit cards were frozen.

Brett Parker said there were three men staying there at the moment and others had stopped earlier in the week.

The report added the trio said they wanted to return to Ukraine as soon as possible to protect their families and fight.

The drivers have been told they cannot leave the UK without a load in their trailer.

However, the conflict has disrupted the normal supply chain so they have no goods to return home with.

Mr Parker said until the situation is resolved, the drivers can park for free and stay for as long as they need to with hot drinks and food provided.

"These three, I don't know how long they're going to be here - they don't know - we're just looking after them," he said.

"These lads here are stranded, they're in an awful position. We were speaking to one of the driver's sister, she's in Ukraine right now and she was terrified.

"We were stood in that office all choked up because she was crying down the phone."

Bohdan Prychidnyj, chairman of the Leicester branch of The Ukrainian Society, has been to meet the stranded drivers.

He took them some traditional Ukrainian foods including rye bread, sausage and pickled gherkins.

"It's a sign of support and solidarity first of all, " said Mr Prychidnyj. "It's also something Ukrainians tend to do - in the evening they'll have a few drinks and snack at the same time so it's something that's a bit traditional from a Ukrainian perspective."

The drivers, who all live near Kyiv, told Mr Prychidnyj they left on 23 February with a lorry full of goods for the UK.

They were already in Poland by the time the invasion started.

Mr Prychidnyj - who translated for the drivers - said: "As soon as they can, they want to be going back.

"They're certainly not staying here long-term. They're going back to fight."

     

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