Hundreds more people have signed a petition to keep a "life saving" mental health support hub open in Harrow as councillors say a final decision on its future is imminent.

An extra 700 signatures were presented to Harrow Council cabinet last night by service users of The Bridge in Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone.

Concerned campaigners say they are feeling excluded from important decisions that are deeply affecting their lives.

The petition, presented to council leader Cllr David Perry, said: "We believe this service is a lifeline to many mentally ill people in Harrow. If it closes the effects will be devastating.

"Why is this important? The Bridge is a purpose built centre for mentally ill people. Its an activity and drop in centre with a cafe, it helps people to develop coping strategies, breaks isolation and provides essential ongoing support to vulnerable people."

Ann Freeman, a user of The Bridge, said the council was responsible for social care in the borough.

She said: "How is Harrow Council going to provide care for people who use The Bridge, those on the waiting list and those who develop a mental illness in the weeks and months ahead?"

While Joan Penrose asked if it would be possible to appeal the decision of the council once it was made.

Funding for the centre was cut from the Labour administration's budget earlier this year, but after an unprecedented outcry from those affected by mental health problems, their friends, family and carers the council has been forced to reconsider.

Cabinet heard two service users had already been admitted to hospital because of the stress The Bridge's potential closure had caused.

Cllr Perry said: "The council has demonstrated by listening to views expressed in the consultation, at meetings and through the questions raised here regularly that we are responsible. We will work with the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, a partner of ours, and the voluntary sector to make sure those who need support get it. We are a responsible council and we will ensure what you're asking for happens."

He added: "The consultation evidence is being collated. We have heard your call for us to re-look at this issue and we haven't made a final decision. We do take this seriously."

A decision was due to have been presented last week but has now been postponed.

Campaigners held a demonstration in St Ann's Road on Saturday, April 16, as part of the Save Our Services campaign, which has also seen protests outside Harrow Civic Centre ahead of cabinet and full full council meetings since service users were told about the funding cut on Wednesday, February 3.

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, has now also stepped in and called on the Department of Health to provide extra funding to the council to enable The Bridge to stay open.

He said: "The Bridge is only closing because of the huge cuts in income to Harrow Council’s grant. I hope that Ministers at the Department of Health will recognise the importance of saving mental health services from closure and will work with the council to save this key service."