FORMER MG Rover workers now face further problems on the back of redundancy announcements.

Concerns are being raised about the car leasing service that much of the work-force uses.

They face the problem of having to continue to pay off their leases without an income.

Workers previously leased cars from MG Rover but are now answerable to the bank after taking out personal loans to use the service.

Conservative parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove, Julie Kirkbride, said: "From speaking to workers at Rover, it appears to me they are as much concerned about their car leasing as they are about their jobs.

"They have been left with no job, very little redundancy money and now have to pay a personal debt of many thousands of pounds."

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Bromsgrove District Council have set up a number of different services to deal with concerns and offer advice to people in the area.

Sonia Hambidge, manager of Bromsgrove CAB, said: "There is a pressing need for us to respond immediately. Longbridge employees are already pouring through our doors, understandably worried and anxious.

"One of the main concerns raised has been the potential problem of paying money for the leasing service.

"I believe the situation is being looked at and the charge could be taken out of the redundancy package. However, it appears it will become a debt either way."

There is also the possibility of the Multi-Agency Resource Centre in Charford offering assistance to help people claim benefits online.

The effects of the collapse of MG Rover have also been felt at car dealerships in the area.

Phoenix Venture Motors (PVM), a part of the MG Rover company, has gone into administration. That could mean dealerships in Bromsgrove and Rednal facing closure.

The car firm in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, declined to comment.

Sue Haswell, parliamentary Liberal Democrat candidate for Bromsgrove, added: "Workers are not only losing their jobs they are losing their lifestyle and need as much help as possible from the government."

UK Independence Party candidate Paul Buckingham said: "I am saddened by the outcome. It appears being part of Europe has not been able to save jobs this time."

Labour's parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove, David Jones, was unavailable for a comment as we went to press.

Bromsgrove CAB can be contacted on 01527 831480

MG Rover Jobcentre Plus Hotline - 0121 2545710