A petition has been launched to save the borough’s children’s centres from closure under budget cuts.

The campaign has been launched by mums who use some of the 16 centres across the borough and fear the possible closure could have a damaging impact on families after The Harrow Times reported the proposals earlier this month.

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.

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

Christy McGhee, a regular user of Pinner Children's Centre who set up the online campaign, said: “I and other mums are extremely concerned by the prospect of centres being closed.

“If they are shut there will be a knock-on effect and more pressure will be put on other services.

“These centres provide vital free education and support to thousands of young children and parents across the borough.

“From giving parents critical information about child development, dental care and nutrition, to running regular sessions which allow babies and children to develop and learn in a safe environment, these centres are so important to Harrow's many families.

“In addition to the education they offer young children, the centres also provide a place where new parents can meet each other and find support and encouragement throughout the challenging first months and years of raising a family.

“Without these facilities, many new mums face having nowhere to go at a time when they are most in need of support, information and companionship.”

Cabinet member for children Simon Brown said the council is concerned by the cuts being imposed on the authority by the government and the potential impact on services like children’s centres.

He added the council would continue to support our most vulnerable families in the borough.

It has also been announced by the council there will be a separate consultation on the future of children’s centres launched next month.

The petition against cuts to children centres can be found here.

Harrow Council has been consulting on its budget proposals since September, with the consultation due to close on Saturday November 8, at 5pm.

Those interested in finding a full list of services which could be affected by the budget changes and take part in the consultation can do so here.