A CAR dealership which has been at the heart of a North Cornwall community for decades could be set for closure.

In the 1970’s, Truscott’s of Launceston established themselves as the premier location to buy a car in North Cornwall. Located on land that once held Launceston’s Southern Railway Station, the business has been a staple of the community every since, despite undergoing a number of management changes, from Chrysler to Peugeot.

However, more than 50 years on, the site’s current owners, Vertu Motors plc are considering the showroom’s closure.

Vertu Motors plc was formed in late 2006 to acquire and consolidate UK motor retail businesses.

Since 2022, the organisation has been at the helm of the historic Launceston showroom following its acquisition - alongside 27 other franchised sales outlets - from Helston Garages Group Limited.

At the time of the acquisition, Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “We were delighted to bring these Peugeot dealerships under the Bristol Street Motors name, as the rebrand is key to their integration within our group.

“Customers will benefit from being part of the UK's fourth largest automotive retailer, while the exceptional customer service they are used to will continue, as will the excellent teams within each Bristol Street Motors Peugeot dealership.”

Now, four years on, the organisation is launching a consultation for the dealership’s closure.

A spokesperson for Vertu Motors plc said: “We have carefully reviewed the financial viability of our Launceston Peugeot, Barnstaple Peugeot, and Barnstaple Volvo dealerships, and made the difficult decision to enter consultation with our colleagues at these locations, with a view to potentially closing them in early February. Customers can continue to receive the high-quality service from these locations until we agree the outcome of this consultation process, or from our other dealerships in the area.”