CAMPAIGNERS have three more weeks to persuade Assembly chiefs to fund a vital centre for disabled children in Newport. Health reporter ANDY RUTHERFORD reports.

A CRUCIAL decision on a £5.9 million funding bid for the South Gwent Children's Centre is being delayed - but leading Newport politicians are backing the project.

The Assembly's Capital Investment Board, which scrutinises major NHS capital plans, was due to consider the bid next Thursday, but has requested further information on the project.

It could now be late October before a decision is made.

Meanwhile, the centre proposal is being backed by Newport city council leader Bob Bright and Newport West AM Rosemary Butler.

Councillor Bright, who called the facility, at High Cross, "fantastic and urgently needed" hopes to discuss the project with health minister Edwina Hart next week.

Mrs Butler is also working behind the scenes to stress just how important the centre will be to the futures of thousands of disabled youngsters.

"I personally as council leader think it is a fantastic facility that is urgently needed, and I will do everything that I can to see it come to fruition," said councillor Bright.

The centre - the shell of which has already been built on a site at High Cross following a donation of land by Newbridge Estates - would provide a huge range of therapy and other services under one roof for disabled youngsters from Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

Around 1,200 children have been identified as potential users, though the centre would benefit countless thousands more in the future.

The unique circumstances of the project, which was originally a charitable undertaking before Gwent Healthcare Trust made a bid for Assembly funding for the NHS components, are the reason why a decision will be delayed.

More information is being sought on the project, and on the charity aspect, which will be funded through the Sparkle Appeal.

The appeal fund aims to provide extra services and facilities designed to support the children and their families.

COUNCILLOR Bright and Mrs Butler met project leaders at the site to discuss the project and financial details.

Mrs Butler said the project is unusual in that the building has been completed before the bid is considered, but has no doubts about the need.

"It is an impressive facility and will be of huge benefit to many families," she said.

Councillor Bright said it is vital to have the details of the project "very clear in our minds, to present a concise, clear case to the minister."

"We are going to do everything we can, though I cannot say how it will go," he said.