I HAVE just returned from the Babies First meeting at the town hall -- what a fabulous turnout. It was heartwarming to see so many health staff represented, despite apparently being warned against doing so.

People in Bury are not apathetic, so take heed Bury Primary Care Trust, you have a fight on your hands.

One-and-a-half hours of sensible and balanced argument for keeping the maternity and special care baby unit services at Fairfield open, left us all with food for thought. Humbling stories from parents who have had the heartache and trauma of seeing a baby require specialist care early in their lives, brought a tear to my eye and my own memories came flooding back.

The speakers are to be congratulated on the constructive and balanced arguments put forward. I left the meeting upbeat and positive, with an overwhelming feeling that we really can overturn these ridiculous proposals, with the help and support of local people.

I would urge every child, parent, grandparent, auntie and uncle to back this ongoing campaign, sign every petition you see, attend the march in October, and tell your friends -- not just in Bury but in Rochdale, Oldham, Salford and Bolton -- that closure of Bury's child services will affect them too.

Finally, shame on the faceless Children's Network for failing to represent themselves, instead choosing to hide behind an article printed in the Bury Times last week.

MRS BEVERLEY WALKER,

Rudgwick Drive,

Bury.