HEREFORD'S longest-serving car dealer has this week closed. 

Steels Westgate has been an iconic company on the corner of Eign Street and Victoria Street for 47 years, with many locals labelling the nearby roundabout as 'the Steels roundabout'.

However, the firm confirmed that closed on Monday (November 6) evening, with Spa Motors taking over the site the following day.

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"We will miss our loyal customers, many of whom have become firm friends over the years," reads an announcement on Steels' website.

"We thank you all for your custom over nearly half a century and wish you well."

Steels has been in the city centre since 1976, with the firm appointed as Herefordshire's Honda dealer four years later. As well as selling new or used cars, the company has also offered servicing and MOT requirements. 

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In a public Facebook post, Martin Davies, who was a salesperson at Steels for seven years from 1986 to 1993 before returning in 2021 as a freelance driver, called Steels 'a truly iconic place'.

"Directors Gerry & Richard hosted a small celebration for current & former employees that was a real joy to be at, it was really nice catching up with some old colleagues & remembering colleagues sadly no longer with us," said Mr Davies.

"I left the celebration and the emotion of this being a final goodbye brought tears to my eyes. All I have ever achieved in my motor trade career of 35 years started here in August 1986."