A LONG-STANDING Malvern car dealership is to cease trading at the end of the day, its managing director has said.

Administrators are due to be appointed at Bicknells Vauxhall later today (Tuesday).

The company’s branches in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, Worcester and Tipton are all set to close.

Managing director John Bicknell said: “We will cease trading. Administrators will be appointed later today. I won’t be taking any calls.”

He added it was for the administrators to answer any questions from customers and they would be making a formal statement later today.

Workers were only told about the administration when they turned up for work this morning.

However, suspicions were raised when staff were paid on Friday - their salaries were not due until the 27th of the month.

The wife of one staff member, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s obviously a shock. They were told this morning.”

* Anyone who is directly affected by this announcement can call the newsdesk on 01905 742281