DEMONSTRATIONS were held in Maidstone yesterday to protest against the closure of a disabled centre.

The gathering of Queen Elizabeth Foundation Resource Centre users began at 9.30am.

Users are fighting against the closure of their centre, in Brent Way, Dartford, which offers activities, classes and a specialist gym. A number of replacement services in centres across north Kent are being proposed.

The demonstration outside the Kent County Council building was the second in four months.

Kevin Best, a centre user and IT teacher at the centre, said: "We are going to keep trying to slow down the closure."

KCC cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, Kevin Lynes, said: "People are naturally apprehensive about change and the period surrounding change can be an emotional time. I also know that KCC officers are working very hard on the changes being made to day-opportunities in North West Kent. Talking to those who use these services has been a top priority and those who use the service have been involved at every stage. Several are also on the project board that is managing the changes."