JOBS have been axed at a troubled bed firm in a bid to cut rising costs. It was announced on Monday that 11 workers at Trowbridge-based Airsprung Beds have been made redundant.

Andy Prendergast, from workers union the GMB, said: "It is always disappointing to see members' jobs go but in this case we understand the company's rationale.

"At some point we have to look to the future and see if we can build up the company."

The Canal Road firm has been hit by falling sales and increased costs.

In a letter sent to employees at the beginning of a 30-day consultation period over job losses, chief executive Paul Lamb said: "The company has already instituted a number of cost-cutting measures.

"However, the high fixed cost base of the business and uncertain market conditions make it necessary to take more drastic action."

In February the company, which employs close to 500 people, cut back workers' hours and reduced its use of temporary labour.

It has employed five new staff members tasked with boosting flagging sales by developing regional trade.

Mr Prendergast said there were no plans for further redundancies and hopes the market will turn around.

"We are hoping these are the only redundancies we are going to see but, in this day and age, you can never be sure with any company," he said.

"We certainly hope the company can turn itself around but, unfortunately, I don't have a crystal ball.

"There have been well-documented problems in the high street but everyone needs beds and we are hoping it will only be a short time before orders go up again."

He said there were certainly no signs the company is on the verge of closure.

Airsprung is one of the largest employers in Trowbridge and has been based in the town since it first opened as Chapman's in 1871.

The firm changed its name in the 1950s and, over the years, has grown to employ more than 1,700 people nationwide.

No-one from Airsprung was available for comment before the Wiltshire Times went to print yesterday.