The firm started trading back in 1928 and is run by the third generation of the founding Stirland family.

W Stirland has filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator with the contractor set to go into administration next week.

The Enquirer understands all staff have been sent home and employees are actively looking for new jobs.

It is a further set back for the wider supply chain in the region following on from the collapse of Hampshire-based Brymor Construction in June.

W Stirland has several live contracts across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex with the firm working primarily for registered social landlords and local authorities.

In recent years it had won places on major frameworks including the £5.2bn SCF Residential framework and the £2bn Hyde housing association new homes building programme.

Latest accounts filed at Companies House show W Stirland made a pre-tax loss of £566,248 from a turnover of £27.2m for the year to January 31 2021 and employed 48 staff.