THE news that Pewsey's Woodborough Garden Centre has been taken over has been met with mixed reception by villagers.

The 18-acre site closed on Friday for 'stock taking' and has been taken over by the Whitehall Garden Centre Group, based in Lacock near Chippenham, who intend to re-open it on March 10 after a refurbishment.

However the opinions of locals are split, with hundreds taking to Facebook, some disappointed at the sale and others excited about the takeover.

Alexandra Cuff said: "Oh no. I hope it does not lose its charm, we love our local garden centre!"

Theresa Wyatt said: "Very much hope the staff keep their jobs as they are a lovely bunch! And that the cafe remains child friendly.... Whitehall's Lavender Lodge certainly isn't!"

Claire Welburn said: "I remember the old days with Mr Bailey who ran the garden centre from the old barn on the site. Such a shame it's being taken over by a big firm."

Jayne Drew posted: "Good news if Whitehall have bought it... might actually be able to buy national garden centre vouchers or a houseplant from there. Tried before and failed on both."

Jemima Thomson added: "Might actually be able to get some decent stuff there now and shelves may actually be stocked.

"Whitehall taking it over is not only going to be brilliant for the garden centre but great for local businesses too and the idea of a quiet cafe like they do at Lacock would be even better."

The centre currently has a cafe, pigs, pygmy goats, a farm shop, a general shop and they also run a children's gardening club. They also host a variety of events from talks to family fairs.

Whitehall's managing director, Peter Self, said that they had been looking for a third site for a while, along with their Bristol and Lacock centres, and he believed that Woodborough is the perfect addition to their company due to its location and homely feel. It is expected that all the current staff will keep their jobs.

Two resident cats at the centre, which have lived there for years, were due to be picked up on Friday by Cats Action Trust to be looked after.