Nationwide Accident Repair Services closing four sites

A car repair company is planning to close its Wednesbury site as part of an attempt to save £1.9 million. Four bases in the West Midlands will close in total.

The move by Nationwide Accident Repair Services will mean the loss of 80 jobs.

The firm has announced profits have been hit by a decline in insurance claims and mild weather. Claims for smaller repairs with higher profit margins are also down.

The bodyshop chain will shut "non-core centres" and relocate work. As well as the Wednesbury base in Great Western Street, centres in Stourport, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheshire are also affected.

Chief executive Michael Wilmshurst confirmed consultation had begun with staff over redundancies.

He said: "Some centres have been adversely affected by the trading conditions, and as consumers are becoming less inclined to claim on insurance policies.

"These centres have regrettably had to consider staff redundancies and site closures. We are committed to minimising the disruption to individuals, and to the business, during the process.

"Services to customers will not be interrupted."

The company, which also has branches in Walsall and Birmingham, said revenues would remain constant but second half pre-tax profits would be below expectations.