Hopes are high in the fight to save Sampson Court, the Deal care home which is due to close by the end of the year.

A company has been formed and a business plan is being prepared to run the complex, which is owned by the county council.

Dorthe Bucknell, from Kingsdown, a member of Sampson Court Ltd, said: "We are hopeful but we do need lots of support from the community to push this project through.

"I am a volunteer visitor at the home and some of the residents are confused about their future.

"It is sad to hear the struggles to find another care home and there are few in the private sector that are as good as Sampson Court."

Sheila Downs, 75, is worried for husband Reg, 80, who has lived at the care home in Mongeham Road since July after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

"The staff are wonderful with him. I will be devastated if Sampson Court closes and don’t know where else to get that sort of care."

The directors of Sampson Court Ltd are Brian Spencer-Smith and Dave Hubble. Mr Hubble said: "The forum committee is meeting every week and working hard with the belief that they have the big society aims of the county council behind them and that this vital local asset can be maintained.

"Anyone else who feels they have anything to offer – please get in touch with us at sampsoncourtaid@hotmail.co.uk"

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury.