Pension Freeze Charging

My company was in the process of closing down. On the advice of my accountant I wrote to the pension company (AXA) asking for information on what I should do next. The pensions was/is a Personal Pension with Employer ONLY contributions. It was an old Equity & Law pension, now handled by AXA.

To my surprise the company disregarding my request and simply shut the pension off (frozen). Furthermore they charged me £554 to cancel the direct debit.

When I contacted them by phone they implied they might consider refunding this amount if my new employer agreed to continue funding the pension.

Does anyone know if I can demand this charge back?

My accountant and IFA were both shocked by the figure.

Of course my main concern is what to do next. Do I freeze it, move it or continue? Do I let the IFA work this out or do it myself?

Regards
James