A LONG-STANDING Malvern car dealership closed its doors this week after going into administration.

Bicknells Vauxhall, in Pickersleigh Road, closed on Tuesday (May 26) along with branches in Worcester and Tipton.

Employees only discovered the business was to close when they turned up for work on Monday morning. However their suspicions had been raised when they were paid on Friday (May 22) even though their salaries were not due until the following Wednesday.

Although sales, parts and service operations ceased in Malvern on Tuesday, the forecourt remained open to run down stock. By yesterday morning (Thursday) fuel supplies had been exhausted and only the forecourt shop remained open.

David Blenkarn and Greg Palfrey, of accountants Smith and Williamson, was appointed as administrator on Tuesday afternoon.

Their job is now to try and find a new buyer for the firm.

Mr Blenkarn said: “We are addressing the options for the business and will be looking to sell the business in the short-term.

“We want to keep it going but at the moment it is very early days.”

He added that this week’s events had, regrettably, resulted in redundancy for most of the company’s staff, believed to be about 60 people.

A female staff member from Bicknells in Malvern said: “It is wishful thinking but it would be good if someone could come in and take our staff over.

“It is a worrying time for everyone involved but sadly it is a sign of the times.”

* Anyone affected by the closure in Malvern, and who would like to tell their story, can call the newsdesk on 01905 742281.