UP to 15 jobs at a Bury car dealership could be at risk after its parent company went into administration.

The town's Dixon Ford showroom in Crostons Road is part of Dixon Motor Holdings Ltd, an independent car retail group employing 1,400 staff.

The Darlington-based business, with 46 franchise dealerships in 29 locations in Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, East Lancashire and Nottingham, went into administration a week ago.

Graham Newton, business restructuring partner at administrators BDO Stoy Hayward, said: "Over recent years, the motor vehicle sector has become increasingly competitive and margins have tightened. This has had a knock-on effect on firms such as Dixon's who have experienced falling volumes, cost inflation and price deflation.

"We plan to carry out an immediate business review and are currently in discussions with car manufacturers to work to secure the future of the individual dealerships."

Although the Bury dealership is continuing to trade, one customer told the Bury Times he is unable to pick up his car. It went into the showroom to have work carried out under warranty.

The £2 million, 23,000 sq ft Crostons Road development opened in January, 2003 and was hailed as the company's flagship North Manchester base.

The dealership had relocated from Derby Street, Bury.

Meanwhile, the administrators have set up a helpline to deal with customer inquiries. The freephone number is: 0800 612 1340.

Further information is also available at www.dixon motors.co.uk