SMALL rural filling stations, struggling to survive a battle with bigger rivals, have won an ally in a North Yorkshire local authority.

With the fuel crisis still fresh in the memory, drivers have become increasingly sensitive to the cost of a litre of petrol, and independent outlets, in North Yorkshire villages, have been taking the brunt of motorists' anger.

Prices may be as much as 9p higher than at the pumps in towns and at the supermarkets, but far from trying to make a killing, many small garages are on the brink of collapse.

They are blaming the Government and the oil companies.

Shirley and John Brayshaw, of the Dales Head garage, in Hawes, have become so desperate they wrote to Richmondshire District Council to highlight their plight.

They point out prices at the refineries have risen by almost 2p a litre this month alone.

Bigger suppliers have been able to keep their prices down by passing the extra costs on to the smaller independents, who must then charge more per litre to survive.

"This anomaly is forcing many independents out of business due to unfair competition," wrote Mr and Mrs Brayshaw. "The majority of independent garages are in rural areas of low income, which makes it very unfair on our loyal customers who, if garages such as ours closed, would have to travel miles for their fuel.''

On Thursday night, ward councillor and leader of the Richmondshire authority, John Blackie, urged the council's Access Travel and Transport Group to make a stand.

"This seems to be a real threat to rural garages across Richmondshire and, if we are not careful, we are going to see them disappear. I think we should be particularly concerned,'' he said.

The committee voted unanimously to back the suggestion of Mayor of Richmond, Councillor John Harris, that the council writes to The Department of Transport demanding action, while questioning if European legislation allows an effective monopoly in the fuel supply industry.

Coun Blackie said: "I think we could also help by reminding rural filling stations there is a system of rate relief in operation in Richmondshire, and if they apply for assistance, we may be able to ease the financial burden.'