NEARLY 300 people have signed a petition calling for more support for a mental health charity in Bolton that is in danger of closing.

Managers announced last month that Bolton Steps was in "imminent" danger of closing down after cuts to funding meant is lost its £50,000 a year from Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

They launched a crowdfunding campaign to keep the service open, which has so far raised £480.

And now supporters of the charity, which has been operating out of Victoria Hall for more than 17 years and sees close to 70 people a week, have launched a petition on the change.org website calling on the CCG, Bolton Council or MP David Crausby to step in.

A statement released as part of the petition said help was urgently needed.

A spokesman said: "Bolton Steps is a mental health charity which provides invaluable support to many people in need.

"Throughout the project, whether that be the cafe or the IT programme, the volunteers of Steps are dependant upon the support, and the friendship Steps has to offer.

"Any of the members will tell you how amazing the charity is and unfortunately it has been sentenced to closure by the CCG in Bolton due to lack of funding. Mental health problems affect around one in four people over the course of their lifetime. Steps could be helping you next. Please help us save our charity."

And the petition has already gained support from the community with 278 signatures being gathered in just more than two weeks.

Commenting on the petition supporters said the charity provided a vital service for the town.

Sharon Berry said: "Bolton Steps has been a tremendous support for a member of my family and I am and always will be eternally grateful to them. I hope they are able to carry on doing a fantastic job and helping other people and their families."

Helen Dickinson said: "This is so important to the community and needs saving. Too many mental health cuts being made."

Dr Barry Silvert, Director for Commissioning at NHS Bolton CCG, previously said that decisions to cut funding had been given careful consideration and that those organisations facing cuts would be helped to create plans for users.