Alperton Ford, a solus retailer based near Wembley, has closed its operations, making more than 150 employees redundant.

Grant Thornton receiver Nigel Ruddock says the business – which includes Ford passenger car and Iveco Ford commercial vehicle dealerships, plus an accident repair centre – had been suffering losses for some time and had a particularly tough last quarter of 2002.

A buyer is not being sought, says Ruddock, who adds that a helpline has been set up for customers and creditors on 08709 912842.