MORE than 130 angry protesters besieged a charity garden centre this morning to support former employees who were made redundant.

Customers of Shaw Trust Palmer Gardens, in Trowbridge, which provides training and employment for young people with disabilities, vowed never to visit the centre again over the way bosses got rid of staff, including its general manager.

Shaw Trust, which runs the centre, made general manager James Vincent redundant in February and reduced the amount of public contact that nursery manager Matthew Webb has.

Protesters held up placards saying 'We want James back' and 'Shaw Trust No Trust'.

Barrie Evans, of Newtown, said: "I didn't like the way it was done. It implied so much without saying anything. I think they have done themselves a lot of damage. People are saying they will never come here again."

Gordon Harper, of Quilling Close, said: "I am here in support of James and for a sense of fair play. In my experience I have never some across such a senseless act.

"It's going to put back the business and its profitability for several years to come."

Gwen Fowling, from Trowbridge, said: "I come here every Sunday at 10am and James and Matthew have always been so helpful. It's a family - I thought it was a family run thing.

"We just won't come here anymore, and I'm not a person who does this sort of thing but everybody feels so strongly about it."

Pat Ford, of Orchard Road, said: "It's so bad how they've let them down."

Cllr Graham Payne was at the centre this morning after he demanded a meeting with the management team of the Shaw Trust to discuss the issue.

He said: "I would have liked to say I had a productive meeting, but regrettably I cannot say that.

"They just stated the company line that was pre-meditated."

Shaw Trust's managing director for work and independence, Tim Cooper, and communications director Julian Morrell met protestors outside the centre to answer their questions.

Mr Cooper said: "We have had to make decisions here that we believe are in the best interests for ensuring Palmer Gardens for the future as a garden centre and business that's financially viable and for the work that we do with disabled people improving their vocational skills and moving towards employment."