PROTESTERS took to the streets of Chippenham to campaign for a fair deal for factory workers who will lose their jobs.

The march for justice was held on Saturday to persuade Hygrade Foods, which is closing three factories, including one in Westmeade Lane, Chippenham, to offer employees a better redundancy package.

Closure of the three factories will see up to 850 workers axed nationwide, with 550 of the job losses in Chippenham.

More than 100 campaigners waving banners and placards were accompanied by the music and drums of two samba bands as they marched from Monkton Park to the town centre.

Hugh Kirkbride, from the Transport and General Workers Union, said: "I was very pleased with how the protest went. It was a good turnout and we had plenty of support from the public.

"I think at some stage they (Hygrade) will see the light and realise that they have to start treating people decently.

"We intend to keep up the pressure and are ready to talk to them at any time."

In Denmark, Hygrade's parent company negotiated a social plan with the unions, which helped offset the pain of two factory closures there, and the unions in the UK want a similar deal for British workers.

The T&G is asking for a £1,000 redundancy package for each worker for every full year of service, a relocation package and loyalty bonuses.

Cllr Nina Phillips, of North Wiltshire District Council, said: "Most of us are aware that Hygrade management will give their workers the minimum package, and the minimum of job counselling.

"In addition they are apparently giving little or no help to employees being offered new jobs by Chippenham companies."

The factory will begin scaling in November and be shut by January. A spokesman for Hygrade said the company declined to comment on the march.