A BURY businessman who has operated a Rover dealership for more than 25 years is to have a top level meeting today over the crisis surrounding the troubled car company.

Mr Richard Cort will hold talks with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials in his capacity as chairman of the MG Rover Dealers Council, a nationwide body representing the interests of Rover dealerships.

Asked if the uncertain fate surrounding the car makers has had an immediate impact on sales, Mr Cort said: "Some people have cancelled and some have bought themselves a bargain. We have looked at our pricing policy."

The businessman, whose Rover dealership is located in Manchester Road, Bury, is closely watching developments after the car company was forced to call in the administrators last week.

"Clearly, I'd love to see Rover taken out of administration," he said.

Asked if he may ultimately be forced to give up his dealership should Rover go out of business, he added: "We have alternative plans for such an eventuality. I've had my Rover dealership for more than 25 years and it's a fairly emotional time for me. But we have to put that emotion to one side and be professional and positive."

Owners with warranties are certain to lose out as it seems such documents will now be worthless. Mr Cort said it would be impossible for warranties to be honoured given the crisis facing the company.