WINSFORD MP Stephen O'Brien has backed psychiatric patients concerned about the possible closure of a valuable rehabilitation unit.

For 10 years the Gainsborough Road unit in Crewe has acted as a stepping-stone for mental health patients trying to adjust to a normal life after hospital treatment.

Many patients in Winsford use the facility and several joined a small protest outside the unit on Monday following speculation it will close this year.

Gainsborough Road provides respite for patients with therapeutic activities and support for families.

It also provides beds for up to seven patients and staff are on call 24 hours a day.

Patients are worried there is no suitable alternative should the unit close and they met with Mr O'Brien on Friday to express their concerns.

Mr O'Brien has given his support and he will call on South Cheshire Health Authority to clarify the situation.

He said: "The health authority needs to give its categorical assurance that the unit is to remain open.

"However the rumours started that it may close it has certainly brought out the most unified and palpable support for the facility from users, their families and the in and outpatients which demonstrates its enormous value."

Pauline Evans, who lives on the Grange Estate, is an outpatient at the facility and she joined in with the protest on Monday.

She said: "It would be terrible if it was to close.

"I can't get out of the house that much and Gainsborough Road is somewhere I can go and it gives me some security."

A spokesperson for Mid Cheshire Hospitals has already rubbished speculation the facility is to close and stated the centre is open for business as usual.

jpowell@guardiangrp.co.uk