LESS than a year since expanding the site, Lookers Volkswagen is due to close its Hexham garage next month.

The former Esso petrol station on Station Road was incorporated into the neighbouring Lookers car dealership in February this year.

The deal was applauded by local councillors as since the closure of the filling station, the site was considered an eyesore.

Considerable work was undertaken to transform the vacant petrol station into a showroom forecourt, used for displaying vehicles for sale.

Though the fuel pumps and canopies were ripped out a number of years ago, security hoops were installed along with display lighting and a series of security cameras.

However the site is to become vacant once more as Lookers Volkswagen confirmed the closure of the dealership.

It is believed that the garage will be shut by the end of the year.

The future for employees of the Hexham garage is unsure, however Lookers said i hoped to redeploy as many workers as it can within the company.

A spokesman said: “The closure of the Hexham location is planned, with all customers to be supported by the neighbouring Lookers Volkswagen branches.

“Lookers is aiming to retain as many of the Hexham staff as possible within the wider Lookers group.”