WAITROSE staff have been subject to abuse and swearing from members of the public infuriated by the news that its Westbourne store is to close.

Shocked customer Harry Payne, from West Cliff, has written to the Daily Echo to condemn the abuse against staff at the Seamoor Road branch from other members of the public.

"I can understand the disappointment of many of their long-standing customers, however, I have been appalled to hear, on two occasions from staff, the abuse they are having to endure," he said.

"One member of staff told me she has been sworn at. This is unfair.

"The staff at Waitrose are very good, and I wish them well."

USDAW union representative Colin Davies said that although staff at the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, are not members of his union, USDAW wholeheartedly condemns these attacks.

"No customers should abuse staff," he said.

"It's not their fault - it's not them that's closing the store."

The mother of one of the staff members said the verbal abuse has been going on for three weeks and has been distressing to staff.

"They're getting the blame, as if it's their fault they're going," she said.

"They're piggies in the middle."

A spokesman for Waitrose would not confirm or deny the abuse. Tensions have been running high in Westbourne since the store announced it would be closing on October 24 and relocating to Ashley Road, Parkstone.