Lookers, Taggarts and Charles Hurst dealers close in response to Coronavirus

Lookers - which trades as Taggarts in Scotland and Charles Hurst in Northerm Ireland - has announced that it is closing all of its dealerships with immediate effect in responsise to COVID-19 coronavirus.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Lookers said: “The board is incredibly grateful to our brilliant employees who have been working hard to continue to serve our customers and the community safely in difficult circumstances.

“However, the board has carefully considered the impact of COVID-19 and the current advice of the UK Government. The board’s priority is to support the welfare of our colleagues and customers and to play our part in the national effort to reduce the further spread of the virus.

“Over the past 48 hours it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing measures whilst continuing to operate car dealerships has become increasingly difficult. Against this background and with the support of our OEM brand partners, the group is temporarily closing all of its trading locations with immediate effect.

This decision has not been taken lightly, however, the board is clear that the priority during these unprecedented times is the safety and welfare of our people and our customers.” The firm has said that it will - where possible - continue to offer servicing and repairs, so that people who need to remain mobile can do so.

It will also continue to offer sales through its website.