A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a Hampshire mobility centre from closing.

The Daily Echo reported this week on how Red Cross officials will be axing 12 of their 21 facilities that provide elderly and disabled people with mobility aids.

The charity is pulling out of NHS health centres across the county after being charged rent for the space they occupy in the buildings.

Users will now have to travel longer distances to borrow items of equipment – a development which has been described as “regrettable” by Age UK.

Now a petition has been launched to stop the closure of the mobility centre in Totton.

The centre is currently set to shut on October 12.

Councillor David Harrison, pictured, told the Echo that he is backing the petition and hopes that residents will sign it and demonstrate their support for the “much valued” service.

He said: “Totton mobility centre is a much valued facility for vulnerable groups of people.

“Volunteers I’m sure will be devastated that it is closing.

“I have used the facility before for my mother.

“It is a fantastic place and they do tremendous work there, it would be such a loss if they closed.”

Centres in Ringwood, Romsey, Hythe and North Baddesley will also close by the end of the year, it was revealed.

Peter Bennie, chief officer of Age UK Southampton, said: “We all very aware of increasing levels of demand driven by an increasing older population, and one that is experiencing higher levels of complex, long-term needs.

To sign the petition to keep Totton Mobility Centre open visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/mobility-aids-center-totton-hampshire-must-remain-insitu.