MUMS from Ludlow are raising funds to mount a campaign to encourage pregnant women to opt to give birth at the midwife-led maternity unit in the town.

The message that they are shouting is ‘use it or lose it'.

Alison Hiles, founder member of the Save Ludlow Maternity Unit campaign, who was one of the organisers of a march held in December in support of the unit, fears that a valuable service is at risk.

“We aim to get the word out there that our maternity units are just fab,” said Alison who is due to give birth in May.

“They offer great services, midwives who are second to none and brilliant facilities: birthing pools at all of the rural units now, and even staff who have been trained in hypnotherapy!

"When local mums are choosing where to give birth, we want them to know that Ludlow, Bridgnorth and Oswestry are there for them. That’s why we’re producing information leaflets, posters, and even promotional baby grows just to make sure that our communities know the maternity units are here and the service is great.

“I’m giving birth at Ludlow myself in May. I want the unit there for me – and also for mums next year, and for many years to come."

Gill George, chairman of Shropshire Defend Our NHS, said that health chiefs have indicated that at least 100 births a year in each unit are needed to make them viable.

“We’re proud to be working with the maternity unit campaigns,” she said.

"The three rural maternity units are the jewel in the crown of Shropshire’s maternity services, and the message to hospital chiefs has to go out loud and clear that in Ludlow, Oswestry, Bridgnorth our maternity units are here to stay.”

To support the maternity unit campaigns, get in touch with Bobbie Brown, whose email is smile2016@sky.com