New signs installed this week have rebranded Dagenham Motors as TrustFord as part of sweeping reforms to the car giant’s retail sector.

The dealership, in Ripple Road, Dagenham, is one of the first under the Ford umbrella to receive the rebranded signs.

In a nod to the motor company’s historic connection with the area, the dealership will retain Dagenham in its name.

Howard Clifforth, TrustFord’s general manager for the Dagenham site said: “We are exceptionally proud of our Dagenham heritage and are delighted to be carrying on the legacy of such an iconic British name.

“Following the rebrand the dealership will continue to be staffed by the same team as before, delivering the same high quality customer service they always have to the local community.”

However the change has not been welcomed by all.

Sheila Douglass and Gwen Davis, part of the famous 1968 sewing machinist strike, said they were against the move.

Sheila, 78, said the loss of the Dagenham Motors name was “history going to waste”.

Gwen, 81, said: “They are taking Ford away from Dagenham. “People are going to forget it was made in here in the end.”