A COMMERCIAL vehicle hire company has announced that it will be closing its office in Horwich.

Ryder, which currently has an office at the Horwich Loco Works off Chorley New Road, will be relocating its local operations to Lichfield.

A spokesman for the company said: "Following a detailed review of its business operations, Ryder is expanding and enhancing its used vehicle sales operations with a £3million investment at a new site in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

"The investment in the Lichfield site will allow Ryder to increase the size and scale of its service offering, and will improve accessibility for customers.

"Within the new site, there will also be scope to incorporate additional services in the future, which will enhance Ryder’s customers’ purchasing experience.

"Ryder’s used vehicle operations at Horwich and Shepshed will be transferred to the new site at Lichfield. Affected employees at Horwich and Shepshed are currently in consultation with Ryder on these changes.

"Ryder will attempt to find affected staff suitable alternative employment within Ryder wherever possible."