SMALL independent garages are claiming that Jacksons are trying to put them out of business to force customers into paying main dealer prices for parts and servicing.

They say that they are banding together to boycott the garage chain, which has now refused to supply parts to garages outside the group at trade prices – and they want Islanders to do the same.

The smaller garage owners have approached the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority claiming an abuse of a monopoly.

However, Bill Brown, the authority’s executive director, said that it had no powers under the law to investigate until 1 November.

‘We would consider it after that date if it was still an issue,’ he said.

Instead of going through Jacksons to buy parts, the garage owners say that they will now deal direct with UK-based suppliers.

Jacksons, owned by leading CI businessman Tom Scott, have also scrapped a telephone parts inquiry line for customers who do not guarantee to spend at least £30,000 a year and join a trade club.