Bosses at Kent County Council have spent almost £190,000 converting Whitstable's Ladesfield centre into an asylum seeker base.

Figures revealed by a freedom of information request show a number of improvements - including adding security measures - have been undertaken to make the former care home habitable.

The site, in Vulcan Close, was occupied this week when the first four asylum seeking teenagers moved in.

A total of £189,325 has been spent on the home, with cash used on a new commercial kitchen, electrical works, water hygiene improvements and minor asbestos removal.

Money has also been spent on soft furnishings like beds, mattresses, pillows, cutlery, crockery, plates.

Electrical goods have also been brought in, with minor landscaping and building works along with a part-new fire alarm also added.

The Ladesfield centre is yards from Joy Lane Primary School and the Whitstable Day Nursery.

In the FOI, Kent County Council said: "In relation to security measures, some windows have been filmed.

"Following discussions with the private nursery, the existing 1,200mm high chain-link fence will be replaced with a 1,500mm high timber palisade fence.

"Age UK has subsequently advised that they will monitor the situation before deciding whether a fence is necessary.

"The school have asked that a short run of 1,800mm high be extended to approx 2,400mm with timber trellising and to provide 1,800mm high temporary ‘heras’ fencing along the hedgerow at the rear of Ladesfield as this is already breached in some places.

"The costs to date (some final invoices are still awaited) to make this facility habitable currently stand at £189,325.47."

Ladesfield was earmarked as a temporary reception centre for up to 40 boys, aged 16 and 17, back in July.

The teenagers will be supported for a period of six to eight weeks at the centre.