BMW dealership Vertu Dorchester, situated on Prince of Wales Road, will cease trading at the end of the day with a dozen staff members set to lose their job.

The company confirmed that 12 staff members are being ‘put at risk of redundancy’ whilst some will be relocated to their next nearest branch, in Yeovil. 

The company has cited that due to increased costs, the site is ‘not viable’ and after discussions with the manufacture, it has made the decision to close after being a mainstay of the town for decades.

It also means that there will no longer be a BMW dealership in west Dorset. with customers having to travel to Yeovil, or alternatively to Poole. There is also a BMW repair shop in Weymouth.

Customers also received an email which confirmed Friday, December 6, as the company’s final day and said that there details where being passed the company’s Yeovil branch.

A spokesperson for Vertu Dorchester said: “We have taken this decision following an assessment of the financial viability of the operation and  after discussions with the manufacturer. 

“We concluded that the dealership was not viable due to increased costs. Several colleagues will transfer to our larger Vertu BMW MINI Yeovil dealership, whilst some, who we will offer our support to, have been put at risk of redundancy.

“Customers can be reassured they will receive excellent sales and aftersales service from our Yeovil dealership.”