A PETITION to save Knutsford Children’s Centre has received massive support, gaining more than 200 signatures in just 24 hours.

Sarah Pownall, a mother-of-one from Townfields, started the petition which required just 100 signatures to be sent as a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, but did not expect such a ‘brilliant’ response.

The children’s centre provides support the petition titled ‘Save Knutsford’s Children Centre’ went online on Monday, February 1 and 24 hours later had gained more than 200 signatures and racked up almost 100 heartfelt comments.

“I was so surprised with the response,” said Sarah. “Especially with all the comments, it is brilliant hear people’s opinions on how the children’s centre has helped them out.

“I think it is a fantastic response and to get 200 signatures in a day just shows how important this issue is to people.”

The consultation, which ends on February 12, proposes to close four out of 11 existing children’s centres across the borough.

If the plans go ahead Knutsford will join Broken Cross, Nantwich and Rural and Sandbach in seeing its centre close, and services hosted at various community sites across the town.

Among the commenters, were many mothers or expectant mothers who had benefitted from the children’s centre during their pregnancy or after birth.

Lucy Flood, from Knutsford, said: “Without this centre I feel many mothers will "slip through the net" and become isolated, which could have significant effects on the mental health of some and problems with babies may well be missed.

“I also feel without access to the fantastic breastfeeding support groups and networks, the success of women breastfeeding will almost definitely be reduced in this area. It would be a really tragedy to lose all the great services it provides.”

Rebecca Long, mother to a one-year-old daughter, added: “I used the children's centre a lot when my baby was first born and met a great group of new mums there. I would have been lost without it.”

Amid the supporters there was also a comment from Wendy Cridland, a member of staff at the Children’s Centre, which said: “Please save our centre so that all local parents can receive help, guidance, midwifery care, attend health visitor clinics, post-natal help, play groups and parenting sessions.”

Speaking to the Guardian Cheshire East Council said that the consultation period is ongoing and that no decisions have been made and will not be made until the consultation is finished.

To sign the petition visit http://bit.do/KCCPetition