THIRTY jobs at a Newport car dealership are safe, claims its director, despite the collapse of its parent company.

Tony Lippe, manager of Caledonia Newport Citroën, claims the company is close to securing a deal with a new owner that will secure all jobs at the branch.

Administrators are currently being appointed for the parent Caledonia Motor Group, which is based in Warrington.

Mr Lippe said the Newport branch was the "jewel in the crown" for the group and was financially secure.

He said the sale should not affect most existing orders.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure customers aren't affected by this," said Mr Lippe.

"There could be some financial implications for one or two customers, but we are not sure what those are yet.

"The new owners have agreed terms with the administrators to be. The deal is in the process of going through now," claimed Mr Lippe.

The service and parts department, which closed last weekend, will reopen next Monday.

Mr Lippe said: "As some of the parts were owned by the manufacturer, we were unable to sell our stock during this time.

"Any customers who were booked in for a service this week were rescheduled.

"Sadly this is the problem with being part of a group - if things aren't doing well for the group then you're part of it."

Although he would not confirm the name of the new owner until next week, he spoke well of the firm.

"They are a reputable group of businesses who will take this Newport dealership forward."