A GARAGE in Trowbridge is to close today after trading from the town for more than 70 years.

Daihatsu dealership, Vincents, formally Lester's, at Duke Street, is going out of business, putting about eight staff out of work.

Sales director, Mike Stevens, said: "It is with much regret that the decision had to be made because of the poor performance of the Daihatsu mark nationally."

Mr Stevens said all options to try to keep the business open had been explored, including bringing in another franchise as well as Daihatsu.

The business employs 11 staff and the company is retaining 25 per cent of those.

Mr Stevens said: "The rest are looking for other positions or have already found other positions."

Vincents has another business in Yeovil, which has other franchises as well as Daihatsu. That will continue to trade. It has not been revealed whether there is a buyer for the site.