AN APPEAL has been launched to save Pritchards Garage in Alton – which urgently requires new premises.

After 40 years of serving the people of Alton and surrounding villages, the garage in Anstey Road is having to cease trading as of March 11.

This has been caused by the recent death of garage founder Andrew Pritchard.

The current director Darren Bulpitt is the third-generation family member to run the company, and the fourth generation of body repairers.

Legal matters – Andrew’s pension fund requires the business to be sold – have forced the sale of the site and the profitable company is now looking for alternative premises to lease or buy.

The company – one of the few remaining independent bodywork specialists in the area – has been advised by the purchasers’ agent the site will have to offer vacant possession by March 11 because of planning regulations.

Pritchards Garage financial controller Sarah Burgess said: “The effect of a March 11 closure will be the loss of a loyal customer base.

“We’ve already got customers who want to book in jobs after March 11 and we’re having to turn them away.

“Our customers are telling us they are desperate for us to survive – they don’t want to see us go.

“Pritchards has built a high-value reputation for quality of work and customer care.

“We are a profitable and outward-focused business.

“The current commercial market is rated ‘very hot’ with demand for premises outstripping supply of properties to lease or buy.

“The expansion of new housing stock in and around Alton will add further demand for a body repair specialist.

“If anyone can help us, please do get in touch.”

Pritchards is appealing for any commercial property for lease or sale to enable the garage to continue to serve the people of Alton and the surrounding area.

Interested parties should contact the garage by calling 01420 84797 or emailing [email protected] or [email protected]