Devastated parents have begun the fight to prevent the Swalecliffe Children’s Centre from closure saying the decision could see their lives turned upside down.

About 40 mums and dads protested today against Kent County Council’s proposals to list 23 children’s centres up for closure including Swalecliffe.

It means mums living in Whitstable would have to take their children to Joy Lane or further afield to Canterbury to continue using services with their children or during pregnancy.

Whitstable mum Hannah Arnold and two friends took a bus from Tankerton Road to Joy Lane with their children to demonstrate the added strain the closure will have on families who use the Bridgefield Road centre.

The trio were forced to take two buses because of the number of pushchairs allowed on the bus and estimate it will cost families an extra £10 per week.

When they reached Joy Lane they were joined by scores of supporters who began chanting “Save Our Centres” before starting the walk to Swalecliffe.

Parents at the demonstration told the Gazette their lives would be turned upside down if the closures went ahead adding they were angry their children could be stopped from using them.

Mum-of-two Lorna Stockley (above) says she was “devastated” when KCC announced the proposals which could see her stop using Swalecliffe after visiting regularly for the past two years.

She said: “I’ve used the Swalecliffe centre since my son Zachary was born. I also volunteer there running a clothes shop and I’ve joined lots of different classes.

"I was devastated when I heard about the proposed closures.

“I’ve met some of my best friends at the centre and so have my children.

“I have an emotional attachment to the centre and I really feel for the staff there as well.”