SHOCK and sadness summed up the feelings following the news of car dealership Slaters shutting its

Anglesey branch.

The Llangefni site of the family run business is set to close on March 15.

It is anticipated that some of the firm’s 10-strong workforce will be relocated to other Slaters Vauxhall garages in Llanwnda, near Caernarfon and Colwyn Bay.

In a statement to media and employees, the company’s directors said it was with “regret” they were announcing the closure and revealed an offer for the site had been received from neighbouring business Huws Gray.

The statement from the directors of Slaters Vauxhall (NW) said: “You will be aware that the entire motor trade has been in distress for the last couple of years and Slaters has recently endured the most challenging and difficult period in its long history.

“2018 saw the closure of our sister sites at Abergele and Mochdre, drawing a line under our huge pension deficit.

“We are adapting and moving the business model to run on just two sites and increase our online

offering, while still offering dealership coverage across the breadth of North Wales.

“Our site at Llangefni has the highest proportional costs including local business rates of

any of our three sites.”

They added: “It is inevitable that our workforce in Anglesey will have to be reduced but where

possible we will be offering alternative employment.

“A recent offer for the site from our neighbouring business Huws Gray – one of Wales’ top

performing and expanding companies – means that while we know this will come as a shock

for our colleagues and customers, it will facilitate expansion of another local business, while ensuring our future as a local employer in North Wales.

“We will do everything we can to support our colleagues at our Llangefni branch during this

difficult period and we of course want to reassure our customers that this strategic move does not

in any way affect our Vauxhall business’ ongoing commitments to them.

Ynys Môn’s MP Albert Owen, said: “I’m very disappointed.

“As a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, the BEIS select

committee, I will make the Secretary of State aware of the impact this will have on the fragile local economy.

"Slaters is a well known brand and highly professional and will be a big loss.”

Cllr Dylan Rees said: “Sadly we seem to be in the midst of a terrible economic storm.

Last week in Llangefni we learnt that the Santander Bank would be closing and the announcement that

Slater’s Garage is also now to close is further bad news.

“This is on top of the recent decisions to suspend the Wylfa Newydd project and to close the Rehau factory in Amlwch.

“We really need the Welsh Government to listen to our pleas for help and provide the urgent investment

needed to create new jobs to replace those that are being lost.”

Llangefni Mayor Cllr Ieuan Davies said: “While considering all of the other unfortunate employment

news we have recently been informed of regarding the economy of the Island, this is just another addition we could do without. I feel very saddened for all of those involved including their

families.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ynys Môn AM, said: “I’m sad to hear about Slaters closing a business here on Ynys Môn.

“It’s been a period of economic blows here, and it’s disappointing to see a company that has been

evident here for years, leaving the island.

“It’s reassuring that there is a proposal to offer some of the workforce opportunities at other company centres.

“I hope support will be offered to the rest of the staff at this difficult time.

"I’m ready to make any queries that may be helpful,” he said.