Hundreds join the fight against the closure of St. Mary's birth centre with a march through Melton

Hunderds of voices were heard chanting through Melton town centre on Saturday morning as

parents, politicians and residents protested against the closure of St. Mary's Birth Centre.

The march was organised by the Save St Mary's Birth Centre group who were heard chanting along to the beat of a drum as they marched through the town with onlookers clapping and cheering in unison.

The group gathered outside the former Kings Head in Nottingham Street before raising their placards and walking down through the town centre to Market Place, down Leicester Street and in to the town park to hold a family day with activities aimed at children to celebrate the unit and those that have been born or helped there.

Some of the march making its way through Melton Town Centre on Saturday. Photo: NEMM

Melton & Syston MP Edward Argar was among the supporters as were people holding banners who had been born at the centre.

Back in June the local NHS announced that there would be a pause on births at the centre from July with those in today's march certain this is a 'back end' way of closing the centre for good.

Birth numbers at the centre are in decline, with the local NHS trust saying that just 92 births taking place last year, compared to 9,331 at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital combined.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "More women are presenting with complex needs that require closer obstetric or neonatal support, meaning fewer are eligible to use standalone midwifery units like St Mary’s. The low number of births makes it harder for staff to maintain clinical experience and for the centre to operate safely."

The pause came into effect on 7th July 2025 and is expected to remain in place for up to six months as detailed work is carried out to determine next steps.

You can see more images from the demonstration on our Facebook page.