Families affected by the proposed closure of Sampson Court care home put their views to Deal district and county councillor Julie Rook.

The meeting was called by the newly-formed Friends of Sampson Court (FOSC) group which is fighting Kent County Council’s plan to close the Mongeham Road care home.

Cllr Rook reiterated the financial situation behind the proposed closure, stating the arguments should be pragmatic rather than emotional.

Group spokesman Dave Hubble, whose mother has respite care there, said the building was suitable for purpose. While the need for en-suite rooms, computer facilities and gyms was fine in an ideal world, when money was tight, necessities not niceties should be prioritised.

Another point raised was that there was a restrictive covenant on the site and if it was no longer a care home, £90,000 would have to be repaid.

Recent independent staff evaluation had shown their level of training in dementia care and the overall level of care provided, exceeded that in the private sector.

The likely trauma to residents, of being removed from the home’s family atmosphere, was unimaginable.

Protestors felt KCC should look at ways of operating more efficiently.