Around 300 people have marched in support of an at-risk children’s centre.

Staff from Seashells, parents, children, grandparents and community leaders all took to Sheerness seafront in support of the hub which faces closure due to funding cuts.

Campaign group Save our Seashells organised the ‘Stand with Us, Stroll with Us’ four-mile march which took place on Saturday, September 7.

The procession set off at 10am from the lifeguard hut at the top of Beach Street in Sheerness to the Sweet Hut on Minster Leas and then back again.

One of the organisers and family outreach coordinator at the hub, Kim Green, said she was “overwhelmed by the support from the community”.

She added: “It was an incredible morning and the stroll sent a very strong message to show how vitally important Seashells’ services are to our community.

“Over these years we have supported thousands of families and empowered them to make their lives better.

“This proposal threatens the sustainability of Seashells and the wider services based here. Sheerness has more children in poverty than any other ward in Kent, which is completely being ignored by this proposal.

“It has been brilliant to see our community coming together and wanting to support us to fight this decision.

“We know how much Seashells means to them and the local community, and we will do everything we can to overturn this decision and make sure all their voices are heard.”

The centre and Millmead in Margate are part of the Kent County Council (KCC) Family Hubs initiative but have recently entered a period of consultation.

The authority, which is proposing cutting more than £400,000 to the centres from March, is under pressure to make drastic cuts as it looks to reduce a deficit of up to £100 million in the next two years.

It could result in dozens of job losses and end the services offered including play classes for small children, safe swimming lessons and help with managing budgets and healthy eating.

Cllr Mike Whiting, who represents Sheppey at KCC (Ind) attended the walk and says it is an example of Islanders “coming together” to support something “dear to their hearts”.

He added: “The people want KCC to do the right thing and keep services at Seashells, and so do I.

“The proposal to move KCC services out of the centre and into Sheerness High Street makes no sense, financially or for those that rely on Seashells.

“It is the most successful Family Hub in Kent, why would they want to put that at risk?”

Sittingbourne and Sheppy MP, Kevin McKenna (Lab), also took part in the demonstration.

A petition has been set up on Change.org and so far more than 950 people have signed.

One of those who has signed this was single mum of two Amy Watkins who has used the centre for the last 12 years and says staff are part of her family now.

She shared her story with KentOnline of how the centre “saved her life” after being diagnosed with two severe mental illnesses.

Former EastEnders star and Kent native Shaun Williamson also joined the fight and lent his voice to those campaigning.

Last month, the actor posted a video on social media urging people to help stop it from happening.

Millmead and Seashells, both part of the New Labour SureStart programme started in the late 1990s, are the only externally funded hubs and their contracts run out end of March next year.

KCC says it has Family Hub services available for Millmead users at Margate and Cliftonville, and proposed provision at Sheppey Gateway for those who visit Seashells.

Previously, Cllr Sue Chandler (Con), cabinet member for integrated children’s services at KCC, explained the thinking behind the planned cuts.

She said: “Following the introduction of our new Family Hub model across Kent last year, the management cost for these two commissioned services creates a duplication as KCC is also paying for the management of the in-house services on offer at KCC Family Hubs across the districts of Swale and Thanet.

“By not renewing these contracts when they naturally come to an end in March 2025, we can make a much-needed efficiency saving whilst continuing to provide essential services for families and young people in these areas.”

For full details of the proposal click here and to sign the petition click here.

The consultation is set to finish on Sunday, September 22.