Seven jobs at Horsham vehicle repair centre under threat

Lifestyle Ford Horsham is set to move about 100 employees from its current site in the Bishopric to Guildford Road in October.

However, the company yesterday (Wednesday June 4) confirmed operating an accident and repair centre at the new site ‘isn’t a viable option’.

Marc Matthew, chairman of Lifestyle Europe Ltd, said the company hopes to ‘secure alternative positions’ for the staff based in the accident repair centre.

Mr Matthew told the County Times: “As a business we are currently going through some major changes, most notably the £5 million state-of-the-art development of our new Ford and Mazda location at Guildford Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham.

“It is an exciting opportunity for the business and our local customers and will provide some fantastic facilities to Horsham.

“It is with regret however that we have been unable to secure an alternative and viable location for the present Horsham Accident Repair Centre.

“Following an in-depth review of various opportunities in and around the immediate area, the cost in operating, equipping and purchasing an alternative facility simply isn’t a viable option for the business.

“We will be doing all we can to secure alternative positions for our team members at the Horsham Accident Repair Centre from within the group.

“We will endeavour to look for suitable solutions for our customers in the local area as we are aware that we need to do all we can to ensure an effective delivery of service.”

Lifestyle Ford’s move to a new site is part of the west of Horsham development that will see a new John Lewis store and a relocation of the town centre’s Waitrose to the Bishopric.

Developer Westrock’s application is part of a £35m redevelopment of the ‘West End’ of the town centre on the sites of Lifestyle Ford and Horsham Bowling Club.