Mothers are working together to try to save the borough’s children centres from closure.

Harrow Borough Council says it has to make £25million of cuts in the next budget and is considering closing children's centres across Harrow in its latest draft proposals.

There are currently 16 children centres in the borough  - but they could be cut to just one.

The centres provide services for thousands of babies and their parents, including play sessions, family learning groups, midwifery services, adult education courses and behaviour management.

Natalie Banwaitt, 31, who is fighting to save the centres, said: “When all the mums found out the centres could be cut so drastically we were all horrified.

“To cut the centres from 16 to one is very disappointing.

“The support you get at the centres is amazing and is so important to all mothers. A child doesn’t come with an instruction manual and having a free service available is so important.

“Families on low incomes will be massively affected by this cut and will really miss out on a vital support."

Christy McGhee, 34, who visits the Pinner centre with her 15-month-old daughter, said: “If these centres were to go it will have a huge impact on the whole of Harrow.

“I have learnt so much here. These centres are so important to the whole community and they give so much support.”

Naqiyah Padley, 34, who uses centres in Pinner, Rayners Lane and Roxbourne, said: “If they close it will lead to some mums becoming isolated.

“For a lot of mums and parents they are the first place you go if there is something wrong.”

Harrow Council's cabinet member for children Simon Brown said: “With £75m of cuts being imposed on Harrow Council and our residents we have started the Take Part budget consultation to speak to residents about what services they want prioritised.

“We are very concerned about the cuts the Conservative government are imposing on Harrow and the potential impact on council services like children’s centres.

“What will never change is the excellent work our staff do in supporting our children and their families in Harrow, as well as the administration’s determination to support our most vulnerable families in the face of these draconian cuts.”

Those wanting to find out more about the possible cuts to come and take part in the consultation can do so by clicking here.