Day of action planned for tomorrow (Saturday, Feb 23) with workers stressing ‘We are a business worth investing in’

Axminster Carpets workers will take to the streets tomorrow (Saturday) to gather backing for their fight to save some 400 jobs.

They will be asking people to sign a petition urging the government to do more to support their industry and help keep the world famous factory open.

The workers will be outside Axminster Guildhall from 10.30am to gather names and hand out leaflets.

Organisers insist their message will be a positive one.

Derek Branker, local secretary of the Community Union, stressed the plant was still operating and the fight to save it was very much alive.

“We are calling on the Government to do more to support the carpet industry in this country,” he told The Herald.

“Axminster Carpets is very much part of the fabric of this town and we want to get people from throughout the Axe Valley to support us tomorrow. We will be handing out leaflets throughout the town.

“A lot of the press have become negative but we want to turn this into a positive thing – and tell everyone we are still open.

“We are trying to show the world we are worth investing in. We really want to get over the point that we are still running and open for business.

“We are all fighting to keep this historic firm – and for our jobs”.