SOME expressed disappointment more Swindonians and Honda workers had not turned out to back the parade.

A union boss claimed workers should give those who stayed at work on Saturday short shrift when they next saw them on shift.

Paddy Brennan of Unite told a rally at GWR Park: "The idiots that decided to work in the factory today are an absolute disgrace and they don't deserve this support.

“When you go back to your workplace, you give them short change in their decision to turn us over today."

Dave Jones, 53, from Blunsdon St Andrew, who has spent 15 years in the engine department, said he was disappointed not to see more Swindonians at the march: “It seems like most of the people here are from other parts of the country.”

Paddy Lee, 57, from Ferndale, added: “I know a lot of people from Honda, everyone you meet knows someone who works at Honda, you can't walk into a pub without seeing someone who works there, but here I've only recognised 10 to 20 people.”

The atmosphere inside the South Marston plant was described as flat. “I think people are resolved to the fact that we are closing and that it’s a waste of time. But it’s not. This march was a statement," Dave said. “We have to fight for our jobs and show that we are loyal and still want to work there. Even if this closure has been in the pipeline for a while, surely Honda can recognise that we are dedicated.”