A PETITION to stop dozens of children’s centre being closed or run with reduced hours has attracted hundreds of signatures.

Essex County Council has launched a public consultation which sets out plans to shut down 25 of its 37 main sites.

Remaining centres would be renamed as family hubs which County Hall claims will be more effective at co-ordinating support for families with children from pregnancy to the age of 19.

Now concerned parents have started a petition against the changes which has been signed by 600 people.

A mother who is behind the campaign but wished to remain anonymous said the children centres were a lifeline to her.

She said: “Before I became pregnant I suffered from mental health issues, I was a drug user and a victim of domestic abuse.

“When I became pregnant I fled my relationship, stopped using drugs and moved to a new area.

“Attending the children’s centre was my first point of call once my baby arrived. I suffered from bad anxiety, but the staff were so welcoming and reassured me that I was doing a good job.

“My son is now almost 18months, we have busy social life meeting all our friends and I recently began volunteering. My life has improved so much. If it wasn’t for the children’s centre I honestly believe my story would have a different ending.

“I would be devastated to see the centre change from what it is now.”

To sign the petition visit change.org/p/save-our-children-s-centres-essex or to have your say directly to Essex County Council on the consultation visit surveys.essexinsight.org.uk/childrencentresconsultation2016