Car wash makes way for centre parking

GLENWOOD residents were saddened by the closing of the Davenport Car Wash last week and the departure of the friendly staff. The car wash had become an institution in the Davenport area since it was first established in 1986.

Owner of the car wash, Danny Rolando together with his business partner Ros Needle, who passed away last year, had created a community family business since taking over the car wash in 1998. “The community, mainly women have been complaining to me because they say they felt safe to leave their cars with us and do their shopping or go to the hairdresser,” he said.

He said the car wash was closed after its lease was not renewed by the centre. Ruth Isaac, Davenport Centre Manager said due to the constant congestion and lack of parking at the centre, a decision was made not to renew the car wash lease. “This decision was made in the best interests of the centre’s loyal shoppers, who have indicated that more parking would be most beneficial,”she said.

“It is a sad for the local community as it is for me. We washed at least 1000 cars in a month. Even on a Sunday, people would leave their cars here and go to church,” he added.

Danny, a Glenwood resident himself, was also sad to say goodbye to his excellent team. “Some staff members like Grace have been here for about 15 years. It is hard but I will take one day as it comes, I don't have any immediate plans,” he said.

Adi Paxton a well known personality in Durban's performing arts world was upset by the departure of “her” car wash. “We've all been to that car wash at some point and I have been going there for more than 20 years. I am appalled to hear that they are kind of being forced out because their lease wasn't renewed,” she said.

Kim Fraai, of Unicopy, adjacent to the car wash said she was sad to see them go. “They have serviced the community well for more than 20 years. It was very convenient having them right here, whether coming to work or shopping on weekends. You could drop off your car in their trusty hands.”

A local doctor was shocked when she heard the car wash was closing, as she was under the impression they were renovating. “I used to leave my car there while I shopped and knew that it was in safe hands. The staff will be missed, they were lovely, bubbly and very respectful and you knew you were leaving with a clean car that was spic and span which you could drive with pride,” she added.

Centre manager Isaac also extended thanks to Danny. “We wish Danny only the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his commitment to the centre over the years,” she said.