Peter Stirland of Hungerford set to close next year

IT'S the end of an era for Hungerford as family Ford dealership, Peter Stirland Ltd, has announced it is to close.

The company, named after its founder, is one of the most familiar names in Hungerford, having clocked up 64 years of trading in the town.

It will remain open for business until February 24 next year.

The news came after Ford announced it intended to close half its 400 UK dealerships by 2025.

Jon Stirland said he had hoped that the Hungerford outlet might avoid the axe and added: "It's a very sad time for myself, for all our staff and for our customers.

"It's a sign of the changing times that it's not just Ford; it's the whole motor trade industry that is changing – for example, this year Newbury has lost both the Nissan and Honda dealerships from the motor park."

He went on: "I've explored the possibility of getting another car franchise in Hungerford but, unfortunately, any suitable franchise is in either Swindon or Newbury and therefore there's no requirement in a little town like Hungerford caught in the middle.

"We've been a Ford dealer since 1979; I'd like to thank everyone that we've done business with since the company formed in 1958.

"We've been lucky enough to have had many wonderful customers and also a fantastic team of dedicated staff who have shown a great passion for their work."

The company has prided itself on its status as a good employer in the town and the average length of staff service is almost 17 years.

Twelve have served for more than two decades and some for around 30 years.

Mr Stirland said: "My main hope now is that all our staff find new jobs before we close next February; our staff is what has driven this business and I can't thank them enough."

The company was founded by Peter Stirland with his stepfather, Sam – known as ‘The Chief' – initially as a motorcycle retailer.

They bought the former Barley Mow pub in Bridge Street and converted it into the showroom.

Mr Stirland had enjoyed a distinguished career in off-road motorcycling as a works rider for Royal Enfield.

He negotiated the provision of some bikes on a ‘sale or return’ basis – and that entrepreneurial spirit set the wheels in motion.

His grandson Jon concluded: "Our was a unique, niche business and it does feel like the end of an era."