Workers fear one of Brighton and Hove's biggest car dealerships could close with the loss of more than 50 jobs.

Evans Halshaw has refused to confirm the showroom will be axed but managers said they were expecting large-scale redundancies.

About 52 workers could lose their jobs if Evans Halshaw in Old Shoreham Road, Portslade, closes down.

Dealership leader Peter Burnell said: "We have not had official confirmation.

"The rumours are that we are closing the dealership.

"It is only what we have heard from outside on the grapevine.

"I think it is going to happen but I don't know when."

Another worker, who asked not to be named, said he was devastated at the thought the business could close. He said: "Everyone here has been hearing the rumours that we are going to lose our jobs.

"The mood has been pretty low among my colleagues and we are wondering where our next pay cheque is going to come from.

"This place is a great dealership offering excellent service and none of us understand why anyone would want to close us down.

"It has been a nightmare trying to get any information from senior management.

"Some of us have worked here for a good while now and have put our hearts and souls into the job.

"We have got some great customers who are loyal and if the reports are true then this will be devastating for everyone."

Caffyns, which has a dealership in Victoria Road, Portslade, has been advertising for vacancies at a Brighton Ford branch.

A source said Caffyns was expected to take over from Evans Halshaw.

Pendragon PLC, which owns Evans Halshaw, refused to comment. Tates, a Citroen showroom in Old Shoreham Road which owns the dealership site, said they were not intending to sell the building.

A Tates spokesman said: "We confirm Tates are not selling the premises which are currently leased to Evans Halshaw."

Evans Halshaw operates from about 150 locations in Britain. Pendragon's other car dealership, Stratstone, has a similar number of outlets.

Evans Halshaw is one of the biggest car dealerships in Europe. Pendragon employs about 16,000 people.