A VEHICLE preparation and storage business in Kent is to close down putting dozens of people out of a job.

Autocheck, situated in Cullett Drive at Rushenden, near Sheerness, is shutting after losing its main client Kia motors which has relocated to the north of England.

The firm has has been on Sheppey for the last 30 years, employing about 87 people with previous clients including Mazda, FSO and International Motors.

It is a blow to SEEDA (South East England Development Agency), Swale Forward and Swale Borough Council who are currently working to transform the area as part of the Local Plan.

A spokeswoman for MCL, Autocheck’s parent company, said they expect to officially close their doors by the end of October.

She said they were also working closely with SEEDA to assist employees to find other jobs. A number of staff had already secured alternative employment and a redundancy package had been put together.

Ward councillor Jackie Constable (Lab) said she hoped the setback would not stop people fighting to regenerate the area.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S SHEERNESS TIMES GUARDIAN