A MUM has created an emotive video as part of her campaign to ensure plans for a new life-saving neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital go ahead.

Niamh Hocking launched a petition on Wednesday last week after the council’s planning committee controversially rejected plans for the new £2.6 million facility.

It has now gained more than 15,700 signatures with many mums making emotional and passionate statements on the change.org website page.

The video includes a series of young mothers talking about how important it is to have a new, expanded baby unit in Chester and praising the excellent work of NHS staff.

The existing neonatal unit was built in 1974 and is said to have become out-dated.

The new building would not only be packed with life-saving technology, it would also focus on providing space, privacy and as much comfort as possible for babies and their families.

A planning application was rejected by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee last Tuesday after one resident claimed the new single-storey unit would block sunlight from her garden.

Money to pay for the lion’s share of the £2.6 million unit was raised over almost five years through the Babygrow Appeal, backed by its media partner The Standard.

Chester mum Niamh said on her petition page: “The countess of Chester’s neonatal unit is a small unit who do an incredible job saving the lives of premature babies and helping parents cope with these life changing situations.

“The Babygrow Appeal raised £2.4 million pounds to fund a new build, to extend this unit in order to continue the incredible work.

“The proposal has now been rejected because one resident believes the new build will overshadow her house. An extension to save the lives of babies is being rejected because one person’s back garden view may be altered. This is wrong.

“This build is needed. For sick babies, vulnerable babies, babies like my son. For vulnerable parents, scared parents, parents like me.

“Please sign and help have this decision reconsidered. This will improve the chances and lives of sick babies and their parents.”

Dozens of people have left passionate comments, including many parents whose tots’ lives were saved by staff on the neonatal unit.

One mum wrote: “The NICU at the Countess saved my premature twins. I’ll be forever endeared. This build will help them save so many more babies. How can anyone even think to oppose it?”

View the video above and check out the petition here www.change.org/p/chester-overturn-the-decision-to-reject-neonatal-expansion