HUNDREDS of parents have signed a petition in a last ditch bid to save Greenstead's Children Centre from being closed.

In February Essex County Council announced plans to close 25 of 37 children's centre sites and slash the hours of others, and launched a public consultation to get the view of residents.

Originally, Greenstead Children's Centre was earmarked to be rebranded as a family hub open for 50 hours per week, but new recommendations in a post-consultation report would see it closed with services relocated to Greenstead Library and Greenstead Community Resource Centre.

The proposals will be discussed at a cabinet meeting at County Hall today, and 300 people have signed the petition to fight the closure.

Jennifer Turner has been attending the groups, based at Greenstead Community Centre, for 13 years with each of her four children.

She said: "It has been a saviour - I suffered from postnatal depression and I am convinced it would have been a lot worse.

"It is a fantastic place and all the staff and volunteers are wonderful.

"I cannot believe the fact they are trying to take something away from the most deprived area of Colchester."

Services would continue to be held at the St Anne's and Castle Children's Centre half a mile away from Greenstead, but Emma Cornell, who takes daughters Isla, two, and newborn Ava to the centre, believes it would be too far for some to travel.

She said: "It might be ok to walk in the summer, but in the winter when it is pouring with rain and cold with two children it is certainly not as accessible as it is in Greenstead.

"Every group offers something different and I do not know what we would do without it."

Julie Milnes said friendship groups between youngsters and adults were forged at the children's centre.

She said: "Whether you are married or single, parenthood can still be lonely at times.

"I am 42 with a ten-year-old but still learn from the young mums at the centre.

"When I moved to Roach Vale I was told to stay away from Greenstead but it is fantastic, we do things together outside."

Mums said alternative venues would not give children the space they needed for activities, and concerns have been raised if the children's centre were to close then the Greenstead Community Centre would have to shut soon after because of the deficit in income.

The county councils cabinet member for children, Dick Madden said the recommendations were based on footfall, and stressed Greenstead Community Centre remained important for continued use.