Abro is to close its armoured vehicle and engine facilities at Donnington, Telford, by March 2007.

The government announced earlier this month that nearly 2,000 jobs are to be cut in a shake-up of defence repair and maintenance services.

Campaigners launched a petition at a parade of shops outside the Abro site in Donnington on Saturday.

'Devastating'

Amicus shop steward Brett Davis said it would be sent to the prime minister.

He added: "Anybody in Donnington seems to know somebody who either works down here or has an apprenticeship.

"It'll be devastating for the community and there's been a lot of reaction from the public with messages of support."

Mr Davis said Telford MP David Wright has arranged a meeting on 29 November with Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram to discuss the situation.

Other proposed job cuts at RAF Cosford and the Ministry of Defence facility at Sapphire House at Stafford Park, Telford, will also be on the agenda, he added.