THE Argus is backing the lobby campaign by inviting readers to sign a letter to Ms Hart at Assembly headquarters.

With increasing demands being made on NHS Wales budgets, particularly for major capital projects, the South Gwent Children's Centre must compete against bids for health funding from across Wales.

The need for a new, purpose-built facility to replace Eveswell Clinic in Newport - the main unit for a range of services such as physio- occupational, speech and language, and hydro- therapies for many youngsters in south Gwent, was established in 1991.

Since then, parents and specialists have repeatedly voiced their concerns over the inadequacy of Eveswell and other sites, such as Clytha Clinic, also in Newport, to provide the modern, flexible, family-friendly environment necessary to help disabled children fulfil their potential.

The South Gwent Children's Centre, to be based at High Cross, will provide that environment, with a strong family focus provided by the fundraising carried out through the Sparkle Appeal.

But the £5.9m requested of the Assembly is vital to making this happen.

That money would pay for the building and the equipment necessary to provide core therapy and other treatments for a range of disabilities and illnesses, from cerebral palsy to arthritis, to speech and hearing problems.

The appeal funds would help provide equipment and extras to support the children and their families.