TWENTY-two employees recovering from mental illness have been made redundant after social enterprise LEAVES went into liquidation.

Local Enterprise and Vocational Employment Schemes Ltd, based in the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, ceased trading on September 23 due to 'insurmountable cashflow problems.'

In a message on their website, a spokesman said: "Unfortunately, Leaves Limited ceased trading on 23rd September 2015.

"We would like to thank everyone who used our services and supported us over the years."

Founded in 2002, LEAVES Ltd was based in Darby Close and assisted people recovering from mental illness in their efforts to get back to work.

Starting out as volunteers, members progressed to employees and serviced commercial recycling, gardening and conservation contracts.

Assistance in finding new work is being provided to the business’s member employees, who have been made redundant as a result of the closure.

Anne Billingham, secretary of LEAVES Ltd, said: "We would like to thank the Council, all our local funders and supporters, such as the Midland Counties Co-op and all of our loyal customers over the years for their support in helping our members explore their employment potential and achieve a greater sense of well-being, whilst actively contributing to the community.

“All of our members are being supported individually to access other sources of support and opportunities to maintain their well-being and achieve their employment aspirations with the help of the Council and Swindon MIND Employment service.”

Julie Palmer and Simon Campbell, of business recovery and rescue specialist Begbies Traynor’s Swindon office, were appointed joint liquidators to the firm on September 30.

Julie said: "LEAVES Ltd provided a very important service to people in Wiltshire recovering from mental illness, so it is a great shame that it has found itself in a position with no alternative but to seek voluntary liquidation. We are working closely with directors to ensure that the business’s beneficiaries are supported in finding new employment.”

The announcement comes just months after the group's incumbent chairman, Bob Astbury, met Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street in January after winning a Big Society Award last year.

Over the years LEAVES built a strong working relationship with Swindon Borough Council and provided a range of services including recycling collections, bulky waste collections, woodland conservation as well as making a major contribution in the mental health arena.

The website instructs any business enquires should be sent to Sally Richards, senior manager, Begbies Traynor at 65 St Edmunds Church Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1EF.