Chapman, who has operated the Middle Road, Southampton station for the past five years, said he was leaving to pursue his other business interests -- massage therapy and holistic treatment. He refused to comment on allegations his decision to leave the operation was due to a dispute with Esso Bermuda.

Esso is currently in the process of deciding who would take over the operation, which employs 13 staff. Esso Bermuda country manager Juan Herreramoro was not available for comment yesterday.