Jobs will be lost as a number of car dealership sites have been selected for closure.

Several Evans Halshaw Vauxhall sites, including the location in Ardrossan, are expected to shut their doors in the next two weeks.

It is understood staff were given just ten days notice at the yard on Sorbie Road.

But a competitor has extended an olive branch to the local staff.

Kevin Nixon, group after-sales and operations manager at Bridgend Group, told the Herald he wants to help wherever possible.

He said: “We’ve seen the Ayrshire motor trade take a bit of a hit, being a family business we appreciate the stress and strife these people are going through, I feel for them more than anything else.

“We’ve got a business that’s growing so hopefully we can take folk on that journey.

“Their skills set is more than valuable.

“If we can help, that’s what we’re here to try and do. Give them another swing at it, that’s what we’ll try and do.”

Chris Wright is a service driver at Evans Halshaw but, thanks to Mr Nixon, has been offered a new job as a vehicle progressor with the Bridgend Group.

He said: “It’s 100 per cent a good thing. I’m not sure what else would have happened.

“It’s good someone is thinking about people.

“I was there since last April but on site for seven years.

“It’s a shame and not everybody will be as lucky.

“Bridgend is a competitor, but they see an opportunity to get experienced people.”

The car retailer has 118 locations nationwide and is a brand of Pendragon PLC, the UK’s second largest motor seller.

A spokesperson for Pendragon said: “Following proposals by Vauxhall to revise its future distribution strategy, Pendragon has agreed to the closure of a small number of Evans Halshaw Vauxhall sites, predominantly in satellite locations.

“Pendragon has now entered a period of consultation with affected team members, and we will work with them to identify possible alternative roles across the Pendragon Group.”

If you work for Evans Halshaw you can contact Mr Nixon at Bridgend Group at k.nixon@bridgendgroup.co.uk or call 01294 555 426.