Officials behind plans to house unaccompanied migrants in a disused Whitstable care home have promised residents that the move is not permanent.

Kent County Council detailed its plans at a packed meeting last night and - despite criticism from concerned parents - officials said the plans are only temporary with "absolute guarantee".

The meeting, held at Joy Lane Primary School, was put on to discuss the authority's plans to house 40 unaccompanied boys, aged 16 and 17, in the disused Ladesfield Care Home in Vulcan Close.

The move is in response to the high numbers of young people arriving in Dover as the migrant crisis takes hold across the Channel.

Cllr Peter Oakford (Con), cabinet member for specialist children’s services at KCC, chaired the meeting.

He said: "We asked our property department to review every piece of property owned by KCC which could be used to help us get through the current situation.

"Of all that we own, the Ladesfield site was still under planning as a residential care home which could be brought on stream very quickly and at comparatively low cost.

"It’s not being completely refurbished – bedrooms are being painted and cleaned, a heating system is being put in and a kitchen.

"Ladesfield is very much a short term solution, you have my absolute guarantee on that."

The Whitstable Gazette revealed this week how the home could be occupied by young asylum seekers in around a month's time.

The Ladesfield site overlooks Joy Lane Primary School and the Whitstable Day Nursery.

It would act as a temporary reception centre for asylum seekers who are supported for a maximum period of six to eight weeks each.

Parent James Appleby, whose three-year-old son attends the nursery, aired his concerns.

He said: "Regardless of care, background or religion, 16 to 17-year-old boys are prone to making bad decisions and making stupid things. I know that because I was one.

"Given the high concentration of 16 to 17-year-olds and the immediate vicinity of my three-year-old son, would things be in place to make sure these don't effect my boy?"

Philip Segurola, director for specialist children’s services, responded to Mr Appleby's concerns.

He said: "I share those anxieties. These people have experienced trauma. They are being very closely monitored and they are being orientated.

"They are not going to be in a state of mind to start partying when they arrive here.

"It is our responsibility to make sure they support and guided to make sure they don’t behave in a negative way."