The mother of a schizophrenic inpatient at Clacton's Peter Bruff ward has spoken out in defence of the threatened services.

Marion Miller's son, who is 40, has been ill for the last 17 years, going in and out of hospital during that time.

He returned to the Clacton unit in March, but his future there is now uncertain, as the ward is being considered for closure.

This would take place as part of a "service reconfiguration" by the North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, following budget cuts of £4 million.

Mrs Miller has vowed to fight against this closure, as she believes the alternative plan of care in the community would be of little benefit to him.

"It's not fair on my son or the people around him to expect him to live alone," said the 60-year-old, who moved to Chelmsford from Little Oakley.