Pressure is mounting in the campaign to save a vital support network for vulnerable people with health problems.

The Doorways art project scheme in Feltham, which is part of the Feltham Open Door charity, has been run from a converted public toilet in Hanworth Road since being set up six years ago and is the only place locally where people with problems ranging from depression to bipolar disorder can develop their creative skills.

However, it could close within weeks after the National Lottery pulled annual funding of £40,000 and Hounslow Council refused to meet the shortfall.

Feltham & Heston MP Alan Keen has visited staff and promised to work to save it. He said: "I am sure many will agree with me when I say that it is a very important and worthwhile service. In the past I have been contacted by constituents whose lives have benefitted from the services Doorways provide.

Meanwhile, a senior project worker at a nearby drop-in centre has added her support to the campaign to save Doorways.

Rosie Langdale-King said the scheme had saved the NHS thousands of pounds over the years by helping users learn new skills and develop confidence.

"Surely it is very short-sighted to close facilities such as Doorways which empower individuals back to health," she added. "Can we as a society really afford not to keep Doorways open? I urge the funding authorities to think again."