Families of patients failed by mental health services are taken the fight directly to downing street.

Melanie Leahy and members from 53 other families are expressing their disappointment directly to Prime Minister Boris Johnson after an Independent Review was announced to look into failings at the Linden Centre in Chelmsford, over a 20 year period.

The review, announced last week at the end of a Westminster Hall debate, stopped short of the families’ call for a full Statutory Public Inquiry into failings of mental health care in Essex.

The debate was held in response to a successful petition organised by Melanie Leahy, from the Maldon area, which attracted more than 105,580 signatures.

Melanie’s son Matthew, was found hanging in his room at the Linden Centre in 2012.

Melanie said: “The proposed inquiry is toothless.

"All along, the other families and I have stated that a full Statutory Public Inquiry is the only way to get answers.

"We demand answers that will not just provide justice for our loved ones, but also provide vital learning to make sure no other families go through our pain.

“We will not be ignored.

"In writing to Boris Johnson, I hope he will hear our calls, understand the importance and critical need for a Statutory Public Inquiry.

"The Government have a real chance to change their course and commit to improving mental health services, not just within the Linden Centre but across the county of Essex."

Melanie put the letter out for signatures on Saturday (December 5) and in that time has obtained over 2000 signatures of support.

The letter will be delivered at approximately 2.15 pm today (December 9) to no 10 Downing Street.