CAMPAIGNERS battling for a new mid-wife led maternity unit “are fighting for the future,” a council leader says.

Councillor Jas Athwal, Labour leader of Redbridge Council, threw his support behind the fight to bring back a maternity unit to King George Hospital in Goodmayes.

Activists believe the case for a new maternity unit can be made following a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) in November 2017 stating a new clinical model was needed to handle emergency care demands across north east London.

King George Hospital’s labour unit closed in March 2013, forcing mums to go to either Whipps Cross in Leytonstone or Queen’s Hospital in Romford to give birth.

Speaking at the meeting at Redbridge Central Library, Cllr Athwal said mothers’ need for a unit grows as the population increases.

He said: “We’re fighting for the future. As the birth rates and our population increase and there’s more traffic on the roads, I think the need for a local maternity unit will become more and more important. It’s right that we launch the campaign.

“Every woman deserves a world class service and we need to make sure that a local maternity unit delivers a world class service. We should applaud the good work that’s already been done by doctors and nurses.”

Andy Walker, who lives in Seven Kings, says a maternity unit will strengthen mothers’ quality of life.

The 55-year-old said: “The best public services are local public services. A mid-wife led maternity unit at King George Hospital will improve the lives of Rebridge mothers and their families.

“Less travelling means more quality family time, especially for those who are dependent on public transport.

“Redbridge women should be given the choice to have their babies at King George.”

The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 17.