Thousands took part in a protest in Bridgnorth last weekend

The petitions, handed in by county MPs, are calling for three Shropshire community hospitals threatened with closure to be saved.

Health trusts in the county are facing a deficit of �61m by the end of the year and could make savings by closing Bridgnorth or Whitchurch hospitals.

Ludlow Hospital in south Shropshire is also under threat.

Other savings could be found by downgrading the accident and emergency unit at either Shrewsbury or Telford hospitals.