WORKERS in Hereford will not be affected by the restructuring of Wyevale Garden Centres, which includes the disposal of a number of small outlets.

Hereford is the headquarters of the group that employs 200 people in the city and more than 3,000 at its centres throughout the country.

The group - which has its origins in Hereford more than 70 years ago - is to dispose of 28 of its 114 garden centres throughout the country in order to concentrate on larger outlets.

Following a major review, the business has decided to focus on being a specialist garden retailer and sees the ageing population as an important market for the future.

Wyevale claims to have grown its market share despite increased competition from retailers such as B&Q and Homebase as well as a move into the gardening market by supermarket giant Tesco.

Support and administrative staff will not be affected by the changes.

Chief Executive Bob Hewitt is to stand down and a replacement is being sought.