An established care home was found with cigarette butts on the floor, soiled incontinence pads at its front door and staff who dismissed allegations of abuse, a report has found.

These were just some the damning findings by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who carried out unannounced visits at The Old Rectory in Sandwich Road, Ash, in July and August.

In a report published today, inspectors rated the home inadequate in all areas, placing it in special measures with a period of six months to improve standards.

But provider Rex Cadman, the former War and Peace Show organiser, has already closed the service.

It shut in September leaving more than 30 residents with physical and learning disabilities - some of which had lived there for almost four decades - just 28 days to relocate.

The building has since reopened as a supported living service called Your Life Your Home, which Mr Cadman registered in May 2017.

Inspectors described parts of the service as "run down and dilapidated" while "areas were dirty".

The CQC report says: "We found that the building was not clean.

"There were no records available that cleaning was planned or undertaken.

"Care plan records showed that people may eat objects from the floor. During the inspection we saw that the floors had not been vacuumed.

"We also saw there were cigarette butts on the floor under a radiator, despite us finding that in a person's care plan they were at risk from swallowing cigarette ends.

"We observed a yellow clinical waste bag had been left outside the front door. The bag was not sealed and we saw that it contained soiled incontinence pads.

"Throughout the inspection parts of the building smelled offensive and particularly of urine."

Inspectors also found that urgent repairs had not been carried out as requested to the electrical wiring at the property and there were potential trip hazards at the fire escapes.

Training have been given in regards to protecting people from abuse but staff lacked a clear understanding of their responsibilities in preventing abuse.

The report states: "There had been an allegation that people had been exposed to inappropriate physical behaviour within the service and there were records of people's belongings being taken by others.

"The registered provider and staff were dismissive towards the allegations and failed to take proper steps to protect people whilst the allegations were investigated."

The inspection also found that not enough staff were being deployed to meet people's s funded and assessed needs.

Proper risk assessments or care plans were not in place and some residents had become isolated in their bedrooms by the lack of person centred care.

A total of six legal requirements of the Health and Social Care Act Regulated Activities Regulations 2014 had been breached. These related to safeguarding, good governance, employment and the notification of incidents.

A Kent County Council spokesman said:"Mr Cadman gave KCC notice he would close the home on Friday, September 14.

"All residents were moved out and into their new homes where they will continue to be supported.

"During the moving process KCC staff worked closely with residents, their families and advocates to make sure friendship groups were kept together and that people were fully involved in their move and the care and support they need."

Mr Cadman has been approached for comment.

Read the full report here.