A CAR sales business is to close next month after 26 years and make way for a furniture retailer.

TR Cars, on the A4 near Calne, will close on December 7 after the garage's founders, Peter Hider and Stephen Keenan, signed a major deal for the site with the furniture company.

Mr Hider said: "It was not a light decision to make as the business has grown really well over the past 26 years."

He said the decision made sound business sense because the current economic climate was creating uncertainty in the minds of customers and motor dealers.

The garage opened in 1975 with a handful of cars and staff. Over the years it expanded and took on servicing, bodywork and MoT testing as well as selling nearly 400 new and used cars every year. The turnover was £2.5 million a year.

At one point there were 15 staff at the garage. Today there are seven and Mr Hider said the majority have found other jobs, some in the motor trade.

The furniture company, which has branches in Wiltshire, has signed a ten-year lease and is set to open its doors on January 1.

Mr Hider said: "We had to think hard about whether or not we wanted to renew our lease and continue on the site for another ten years, but the motor industry is not fruitful and the future looks unsteady.

"It will be a very sad day but it was a super deal and we now have the opportunity to try other things in connection with the motor trade."

He said without family members to inherit the business, selling the lease was the best option he and Mr Keenan had come across.

The business is due to close next Friday and an auction of plant and equipment will take place at the garage on December 11.

There are five bays containing bodyshop and workshop equipment and the auction promises to create a lot of interest. Viewing takes place on December 10.

Mr Hider added: "We want to go quietly but we have been overwhelmed by the appreciation and good wishes we have received from our customers over the last quarter of a century."