Rutlanders are being urged to sign a petition to save the Melton maternity unit.

Almost 2,000 people have signed the petition, which is racing towards its 2,500 target.

Campaigners say the St Mary's Birthing Centre should remain open, otherwise many mums may choose to have their babies at home rather than travel to Leicester.

The is threatened due a review of services in the region which could see birthing moved to the campus of Leicester General Hospital, as part of a wider review.

The petition has been started by the Rutland and Melton Labour Party.

Campaigner Matt Smith commented: "We firmly believe that Melton needs its Birthing Unit. As a much loved, vital service, it forms an important piece of the jigsaw for women and their families requiring maternity care.

"The unit gives pregnant mothers a choice in the ethos of care and being local it saves the long drive when in labour.

"Furthermore, it provides wonderful after care, including support around breastfeeding and mothers mental health. The larger hospitals simply don't have the resources for this."

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Details of the wider review can be found here.