MIDWIVES are preparing to lead what they hope will be a massive march through the centre of Kendal tomorrow in a high-profile bid to safeguard the town's maternity unit.

The midwives urged as many people as possible to turn out for what could be their "only chance" to influence the outcome of a consultation about Helme Chase.

Police have warned motorists to avoid the town centre tomorrow (Saturday) morning, or to allow extra time for their journeys.

The marchers are expected to halt the traffic as they make their way from Kirkland to the Birdcage.

Farmers with a tractor, a lorry cab, representatives of the National Childbirth Trust, the League of Friends of Helme Chase, midwives from other units, and members of playgroups and nurseries are expected to join the midwives, who will be armed with placards.

"Please come, this is possibly your only chance to influence the outcome of the consultation," said Royal College of Midwives spokeswoman Audrey Hawkes.

"The midwives are making this protest because we feel the extreme importance for the local community, but we apologise if this causes serious disruption."

As previously reported by the Gazette, a steering group was set up last year to review the unit's future, partly because the current staffing does not meet stringent new national guidelines.

A proposal to change the unit to a midwife-led service was agreed by Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Helme Chase.

However, bosses at Morecambe Bay Health Authority, who fund the Charter Mark-holding unit, wanted more than one option to be included in a public consultation.

The document now put forward includes options of no change, closure, and a midwife-led service.

The midwives do not believe Helme Chase is under immediate threat, but are angry at what they claim are differences between the steering group proposals, and the consultation document.

The projected number of 360 births per annum in the consultation indicates planned Caesarean births and inductions would not take place at Helme Chase, claim the midwives.

They say this could threaten the unit's future viability.

Inspector Ian Carruthers said police officers would be present to ensure public safety.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Collins will be joining the march.

"I'm hoping to see people of every political persuasion and no political persuasion," he said.

"I know there's going to be farmers, business people, midwives, people from maternity units, and mothers-to-be.

The more we can get there the better."

l Marchers are asked to assemble at the riverside near to the parish church car park ready to leave at 10.30am.

l A public meeting organised by health watchdog South Cumbria Community Health Council takes place tonight (Friday) at 6.30pm, at Stricklandgate House, Kendal.

Chief officer Mary Sloan said she hoped for answers from health chiefs about the unit's future, and assurances that all services which are safe will continue to be offered at Helme Chase.