A MOTOR dealer which has occupied a town centre pitch for more than eight years is today boarded up and closed with the loss of five jobs.

The business, which operated a showroom and repair centre from in Westgate, has now moved to Dixon's Ford dealership in Bury.

A spokesman said the Burnley arm of the business was no longer commercially viable.

In a statement the company, which runs a number of dealerships throughout the North West and Yorkshire, said: "The Burnley used car dealership was not part of our core trade or territory and, whilst we regret leaving the town, the business was not commercially viable.

"It was felt our customers would be best served through our nearby Ford dealership in Bury.

"There was a lot of competition from other used car sites in the area. We tried to continue for as long as possible, but the competition was very strong so we have relocated."

The company said it was too early to say what would happen to the vacant site.