Essex brewer Ridley's has been in business since 1842

The 4,800-name petition calls for the plans to shut the 163-year-old Essex brewery to be shelved.

Greene King told the BBC the firm did not want to see breweries close, but added that "nobody is queuing up to run" unviable breweries.

In July Suffolk-based Greene King paid �46m for Ridley's brewery.

Greene King also bought Ridley's 73 pubs which are based in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Ridley's, which was founded in 1842, produces Ridley's IPA, Old Bob and Tolly Original.

Sadly, with a cask beer market that is now half the size it was only nine years ago, the closure of some breweries is inevitable Frances Brace, communications manager for Greene King

Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA, said: "The real ale market is currently going from strength to strength because consumers' increasingly value distinctive locally produced beers and the huge variety of real ales to choose from.

"Greene King's decision to close Ridley's Brewery, buy Belhaven Brewery and axe popular beer brands threatens to undermine the very choice and diversity that is the key to the success of real ale and the success of Greene King."

Frances Brace, communications manager for Greene King, said: "Nobody wants to see breweries close, least of all brewers.

Closure accepted

"Sadly, with a cask beer market that is now half the size it was only nine years ago, the closure of some breweries is inevitable.

"The Ridley's Board approached Greene King as a potential buyer in the belief that we would be the best company to look after their pubs, preserve some of their brands and treat their people fairly.

"Having looked at all the alternatives and having sought, and failed to find, a buyer who would keep the Hartford End Brewery open, they accepted that the sale of their business would result in its closure.