By Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Union leaders have launched a campaign to save an old people's home in Sittingbourne which could be privatised in a shake-up of county council services.

People are being urged to sign a petition at Doubleday Lodge, in Glebe Lane, which has been drawn up by Unison Kent local government branch in a bid to save the facility currently run by Kent County Council.

The trade union came out in support of staff, elderly residents and their families after KCC announced in June plans to shut down, demolish or sell to the private sector 11 centres across Kent as part of an overhaul of the adult social care service.

The local authority expects to save £2 million a year as a result and insists the proposals will, in time, deliver better care for elderly people needing round-the-clock care.

The plans are subject to a four-month consultation period which ends on November 1 and a decision is expected in January.Unison says residents deserve a right of choice and loss of local jobs would have an effect on local services.

David Lloyd, branch secretary, said: "Some people still want to go into local authority homes and we feel they should have an element of choice not just a one sided affair.

"It seems the market is going down a money road rather than looking at the carers, residents and families needs."

KCC cabinet member for adult social services Graham Gibbens said: "The process of consultation that began in June and will end on November 1 will only be worthwhile if unions, individuals and families come forward and give their perspective. We will be listening carefully to everything they tell us."

Those wanting to support the campaign can sign the petition at Doubleday Lodge.