A LEIGH garage closed on Friday in a shock move that could mean the loss of upto 19 jobs.

MSF Motor Group Ltd closed the business they bought from from the long-established Timms of Leigh in July 1996, but disappointing sales have forced the closure.

The intention was to operate the business as a branch location of its main dealership in Wallgate, Wigan, but, according to Dylan Whittaker, regional director of M & S Ford sales were a let down.

The group has recently completed a £250,000 refurbishment of its Wigan dealership and has decided for the time being to focus all its representation for the area through Wigan.

Mr Whittaker said: "We deeply regret having to close this site and the resulting impact on employees. There is 19 staff on site but we are still in negotiations about relocation."

He has written to Leigh customers informing them of a priority service, including collection and delivery, or by prior arrangement, courtesy cars for service and maintenance work, and full sales facilities for new and used cars including an "at home" visit if required.

Mr Whittaker said: "The group is committed to a substantial expansion programme in the north of England during the next two years and we need to focus management time and resources on making the programme a success.

"We have recently invested £250,000 at M &S Ford In Wigan on upgrading customer facilities, with a further £100,000 earmarked for showroom development."

"The group is committed to providing outstanding long term Ford representation in this area. We will be reviewing how best we can provide for Leigh in the longer term."

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