Elderly residents say they have been left feeling frightened and vulnerable by the sudden arrival of asylum seekers and refugees in their village.

Dozens of young migrant men are being housed by the government at The Mount in Barn End Lane, Wilmington - a former care home transformed into a block of luxury apartments.

Many living at the neighbouring Emily Court, which provides independent living with on-site care facilities for retired people, say they no longer feel safe leaving their flats.

Margaret, 68, who lives with her 88-year-old husband, Geoff, said: "I used to take the dog out at night but I do not do that now because I feel vulnerable and a bit unsure.

"I moved here with my husband because we are used to the quiet and it was safe — it is not like that now because you are wondering when it is all going to go belly up.

"They have just dumped these people here in the middle of nowhere — it is a very small place, not much goes on that is not noticed, and we are not used to it.

"They have just dumped these people here in the middle of nowhere" - Margaret

"It beggars belief that this has happened. They are shouting and hollering at one another late at night. This country is an open door now and it is worrying."

Another resident left concerned is 79-year-old Betty, who shared a flat with her husband until he passed away.

She is also concerned for Adam Court, another suite of flats on the site housing people with learning difficulties and other disabilities.

"We have also got Adam Court next door, which is for people with learning difficulties, and it is right on their doorstep," she explained.

"They could use our garden, there is nothing stopping them, or one of our vulnerable tenants could let them in without realising.

"If you go to their country you go by their rules, well they have to try to go by our rules as well."

Housing & Care 21, the operators of both Adam Court and Emily Court, say they are aware of residents' concerns.

A spokesman said: "We are aware that some of our residents are concerned about the behaviour of some people living in nearby accommodation.

"We are talking to them about their own safety and security, and will make sure that if any inappropriate, anti-social or criminal behaviour is witnessed, it is reported to the relevant authorities."

The Mount was the site of a care home until 2006, with property firm Cameo Real Estate securing planning permission to transform it into one and two bedroom dwellings in April 2013.

Cameo Real Estate now leases the site to London-based Cromwood Housing, who list the Home Office as one of the clients it lets property to.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The UK has a long history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and we are committed to providing safe and secure accommodation while applications are considered.

"The UK has a long history of granting asylum to those who need our protection" - Home Office

"We are clear that all providers must meet their contractual requirements to provide safe, habitable, fit for purpose and correctly equipped accommodation in compliance with the Housing Act 2004 and the Decent Homes Standard.

"We work closely with providers and local authorities to ensure that these standards are met while at the same time delivering value for taxpayers."

Wilmington ward councillor Derek Hunnisett (Con) is investigating the issue, with other local residents claiming they feel "deceived".

Some have taken to social media to describe the situation as "outrageous" and accused the government of "alienating the community".

A woman who runs the Save Our Wilmington Village Facebook page, but did not wish to be named, said: "Emily Court is for the elderly and people with learning disabilities. It is totally outrageous that such a thing should be allowed to happen.

"We have lots of teenage girls in the area who walk home from school and it will no longer be safe for them to do so. Dog walkers will also feel very vulnerable."

Residents will discuss their concerns at a meeting this evening.