A union is asking for support from Colchester dignitaries in a bid to safeguard one of the town's best known employers.

MPs and councillors are to receive letters from representatives of the AEEU asking for their support for around 400 people employed at Paxman Diesels.

A branch committee meeting of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, last night agreed to lobby for support from members of parliament and the council to ensure the Hythe Hill firm is sold as a going concern.

As revealed back in May, current parent company, Alstom UK announced it was to shed Paxman and nine other companies as they did not make enough profit.

Bosses said the company, which in its heyday employed 2,500 people, could be swallowed up by a rival.

AEEU regional officer Bill Pigram said a letter had been sent to the Ministry of Defence calling on its support to do what it could to encourage any would-be purchaser to allow Paxman to continue supplying and maintaining engines for the Royal Navy.

He said: "There is a pretty sound foundation of prospects for a would-be purchaser. There is a highly skilled workforce and although it has not had recent investment, even the plant and equipment is in a reasonable state."

He added: "If Paxman goes under and Colchester people including unions and councillors let that happen without a fight it will be scandalous. It is within everyone's interest that Paxman stays within the town."

Mr Pigram said it was important to learn from the lessons the town had been taught when the Colchester Lathe Company closed in 1992.

A total of 280 people lost their jobs when the 85-year-old Colchester factory closed and moved its manufacturing operation to Yorkshire.

Mr Pigram added that although there was an air of uncertainty at the company, everyone hoped Paxman's worldwide reputation for quality engines would encourage a buyer to invest and take the company forward into the future.

John Blanc, senior steward with the AEEU, said: "We are still getting orders in and the management seem hopeful that a large diesel company will be interested in us."

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