Council chiefs have been asked to send a message of "strong condemnation" after it was revealed dozens of young people face homelessness following a shake-up at a housing support service.

Maidstone's Trinity Foyer, which has been helping to keep youngsters off the streets for more than 20 years, announced last week it would only be catering for 16 and 17-year-olds from April, leaving nearly 60 older residents to find alternative accommodation.

Kent County Council says the move is part of a reorganisation, which will see services for younger and older people split between different providers.

While it insists it will help those with nowhere to turn, the move has left members across the floor at Maidstone Borough Council furious.

Cllr Malcolm McKay, leader of the Labour group, said: "I'm sure all councillors are concerned KCC is trying to wash their hands of this.

"It's not this council's responsibility but I suspect we will have to clean up the mess created by KCC."

Cllr Janetta Sams, of the Independent group, added: "A number of these young people revisit staff for help and advice after they have left.

"It's a safe haven and a secure base to stay, and closure will have serious consequences on the lives of young people, some of which have no other support to turn to.

"Will the council send a strong condemnation to KCC and ask this unfair and unjust decision upon the most vulnerable members of our community be reconsidered?"

Cllr Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem), chairman of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, confirmed in response that meetings had been held at County Hall to express concerns since they were informed just before the turn of the year, and that MBC is helping to develop a "structured approach" to helping the young people affected.

He added that the council had also raised concerns with the Ministry of Housing over funding for supported accommodation being provided to KCC, rather than local housing authorities, whose responsibility is to plan for services such as Trinity Foyer.

Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant said: "I was very concerned when I learned of the news that Trinity Foyer was to close.

"I know how crucial its services are to the young people who live there, a number of whom I have engaged with over the years on a wide range of issues, and I am worried about the impact the need for re-housing will have on their lives.

"With this in mind I have this week discussed the matter with Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education at Kent County Council, who are responsible for the contract.

"I have received reassurance from Roger that all the young people who are currently housed at Trinity Foyer will continue to be supported with accommodation and that the other important services provided by KCC and others at Trinity Foyer will also continue to be available to the young people affected.

"I will however monitor this matter extremely closely over the coming weeks and months to ensure the young people continue to receive support.

"We recognise that there is anxiety over these changes and we are working closely with partners..." Cllr Gough

"I would also encourage anybody who is a resident at Trinity, who does not believe they are getting the help they need, to get in touch with me at helen.grant.mp@parliament.uk and I will ensure KCC look into their case as a matter of priority."

Cllr Gough added: "We are absolutely committed to ensuring the right type of accommodation and support is in place for vulnerable young people.

"We are introducing a new more flexible model which is focussed on providing support to the those who are most vulnerable in the county.

"We recognise that there is anxiety over these changes and we are working closely with partners, including our local MP to ensure that young people’s support needs are met.

"All young people who are currently housed within Trinity Foyer are receiving our support to ensure that they will move into accommodation that will best suit their needs."