A Tunbridge Wells care home has been placed into special measures after being rated 'inadequate' by a health watchdog.

A report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) this week highlighted failings at Ashurst Place with regards to residents’ safety and leadership at the facility.

Inspectors found that residents were at risk of harm due to poor building maintenance, insufficient staffing levels, and unsafe storage of medicines.

However, that incident is understood to relate to a cream that was left out, while criticism over the home's infection control referred to a faulty pedal bin.

The report also described deficiencies in the care home’s systems to monitor the quality and safety of the services provided.

The rating follows an inspection was carried out over three days in May.

The large period home is set in 23 acres in Langton Green and currently houses 29 people with conditions such as diabetes, dementia, the effects of stroke and learning disabilities.

While residents said they found the staff kind and compassionate, inspectors found that their privacy was not always respected and that the care was not consistent.

The home was been placed into special measures, meaning it will be kept under review, and inspected again within six months.

The last time it was inspected, in February 2015, it was rated as 'good'.

Ashurst Place has been approached for comment.

The home is understood to have been unhappy with how the inspection was conducted and made a complaint to the CQC.