Families at a care home facing closure have slammed Kent County Council saying they were the last to be informed about the plans.

The Dorothy Lucy Centre, in Northumberland Road, is one of four residential care homes that are to be shut in the county as yesterday Kent County Council announced they are 'not fit for purpose'.

It acts as a day centre for elderly and vulnerable people and also has one permanent resident.

The care home, along with The Kiln Court Care Home in Faversham, Wayfarers Home in Sandwich and Blackburn Lodge in Sheerness, faces closure as the council claims there is a greater demand for sheltered accommodation and nursing homes.

Sue Black's mum attends the centre.

The Boughton Monchelsea resident said: "They've already made up their minds, it's such a shame. We'll be back to square one now. My mum loves coming here, what are they supposed to do now?

She said the first she knew of the plans was when the story published on this website earlier today.

She added: "They'll probably just knock it all down and put houses on it. It's a disgrace."

"I've got a life now mum can come here, I won't have one now she'll have nowhere to go. She's 88, probably won't make 89 if this place closes."

"I'll march with a flag to David Cameron before I see it close, we won't go without a fight."

She added that the first residents families had heard of it was on KoL this morning.

Mrs Black was speaking after a meeting was held between KCC officials and worried families.

Her partner who didn't want to be named said"they put no proposal out, nobody knew what the meeting was going to be on so they couldn't prepare any questions."

Concerned families attended a meeting at the centre today at 3pm.

Anna Ralph, from Shepway, is particularly concerned for the welbeing of her partner's father, 73-year-old John Foggin.

Mr Foggin, a dementia sufferer, has attended the centre twice a week for around the last three months following heart surgery.

Anna said: "He was on the phone to me every day complaining about pains, since he started going there he has got considerably better.

"He's made loads of friends there and the staff really know how to take care of the residents.

"The staff are great, what are they going to do for work now?"

The Dorothy Lucy Centre has 28 beds and provides a range of respite and day care services.

Ms Ralph added: "People with dementia don't like change - it's going to be a shame if it closes. I don't see why it can't stay open."

Cllr Graham Gibbens (Con), KCC cabinet member for social care, said none of the homes could be adapted to meet modern-day requirements, such as en-suite bedrooms.

“To make a new care home viable, you do need about 60 residents to operate economically. The social care market is very different now and these homes are not fit for purpose."

If the plans for all four closures are agreed, 223 jobs will be affected - with 75 lost at Dorothy Lucy.