A BRECON-based businessman says he will no longer be able to provide auto parts to Powys council – because it will only use a firm based in England.

Jim Morgan, who runs his Jayem Auto Parts business from an office in Llanwern, near Brecon, said he was told at the beginning of the month he could no longer supply the council – after doing so for more than 30 years.

Mr Morgan said at short notice he was told to clear out his stock, ranging from filters to lights and bulbs for large commercial vehicles such as refuse lorries, from the council’s stores in Brecon and Newtown.

Now the cabinet member responsible for the council’s vehicle fleet has promised to investigate the issue after Mr Morgan raised his concerns with The Brecon & Radnor Express.

The 69-year-old head of the family-run business said: “Powys County Council has kicked us into touch and will instead buy from a firm in Telford.

“I don’t know what they think they are doing.

“I had a consignment stock in Newtown and Brecon and was told to take it all out. All their local suppliers have been kicked into touch.

“The council say they want a ‘one-stop shop’ but there is no such thing, you can’t buy your meat from the bakers, can you? Nobody can supply everything. If you think how many parts that go on a vehicle, it’s impossible.”

Mr Morgan said he didn’t believe the move will save the council any money – but said it would damage the Powys economy.

“If it would save Powys Council money, then great, I’d be all for it. I’m a rate payer but it’s not going to. It doesn’t make a saving. It might cut down on the paperwork and perhaps the council will make someone redundant.”

Mr Morgan said his business provides work for six to eight people, including himself and three other family partners, but he said he estimates through his business and personal spending he supports 251 local firms, shops, tradesmen and service providers.

He said his parts are also delivered by Newtown-based Station Couriers who he said employ 40 people.

Mr Morgan established his business 35 years ago and said in that time he has turned over £6.5 million.

Already this year Mr Morgan said he has sold around £7,500 worth of stock to Powys council. Over the full year he said he would have expected to see around £10,000 to £14,000 trade with the local authority.

“Our turnover is about £350,000 a year so take £10,000 off that it is quite a lot, and that is spent locally.”

Mr Morgan said he has been told he could still supply the council with parts but would instead have to invoice the Telford firm rather than the council.

“I was asked if I could supply some parts to Powys and send the invoice to the other firm, I said ‘no way’. It doesn’t make a saving.”

Mr Morgan said he thought the move would cost the council more as its single supplier would charge a mark-up on parts from other suppliers.

Llangors councillor Emily Durrant said she had contacted council officials after Mr Morgan had raised his concerns with her.

The Green Party councillor, who was elected for the first time last month, said: “I have spoke to council officers about it in detail but I’m currently waiting on a very detailed response from the head of transport before I can pass that on to Mr Morgan.

“He has not necessarily lost out on the opportunity to be part of this contract and the council are open to businesses like Jim’s supplying it.

“Obviously I completely support local businesses and businesses within Powys supplying Powys County Council but I think that can still happen and I can understand that Jim wants to find out what’s going on.”

Cabinet member for highways, Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick, promised to investigate after The Brecon & Radnor Express approached Powys council for a comment.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “I am not aware of the issue but have asked for the matter to be fully investigated and will comment when I have all relevant information.”