David's.

The Shell Company of Bermuda has accused the Department of Planning of helping Mr. Peter Pitcher to break the 1977 moratorium against any new gas stations.

Shell has also recruited the support of the National Trust in opposing Mr.

Pitcher's application to sell gas from his property on St. David's Road.

But Mr. Pitcher is adamant that there is demand for a new station and says he has a petition to prove it.

Shell chief, Mr. Bob Stewart said: "It appears the Planning Department wants to end the moratorium on new service stations. Nobody in Planning can tell us why they want to change the policy.

"It seems to us that Bermuda has more than sufficient service stations.

Nobody has to worry about being any distance from a gas station.'' Mr. Stewart said that Mr. Pitcher had already broken the law by selling gas to motorists from the station, which only has permission to sell to marine vessels.

In fact, Mr. Stewart said he proved that Mr. Pitcher was trading by purchasing gas for his own motorcycle from the station.

He said that he found it strange that a person who broke the law should have his business on the Planning Department's accepted list of filling stations.

"What we have is a Government department, apparently worried about the environment, ruining the environment.

"This man has been using subterfuge by setting up a marine station and then attempting to get the Planning Department to let him break the moratorium.'' Mr. Stewart is also worried by the fact that Mr. Pitcher owns the St. David's Liquor Store next to the gas station and believes it could encourage motorists to drink and drive.

He said: "It is extraordinary, given the Government's stance on drinking and driving.'' Mr. Pitcher said that he had heard about Shell's opposition to his plans but said he would still go ahead with them.

"The nearest gas station is in St. George's,'' he said. "Of course there is a need for another station. Definitely.

"We have the backing of local people who want a gas station in St. David's.

We have a petition which has been given to the Planning Department.

"It is wrong to say that people will drink and drive because we sell liquor from the shop here. People drive to supermarkets and there is nothing to stop them just opening a bottle along the road. This is no different. It will just be a convenience store.'' No-one at the Planning Department was yesterday available for comment.