Health campaigners fired questions at council officers who plan to close a town care home, proving that as always, Faversham won’t give up without a fight.

It was announced back in September that Kiln Court in Lower Road would shut its doors.

Last Monday, Kent County Council commissioning officers Christy Holden and Ben Gladstone visited the town council to give a presentation on the consultation for the closure.

Christy Holden explained the reasons for the proposed closure: “People’s needs are changing, there are people living with more complex dementia and people are living longer.

“We have looked at the cost and the market and we can see that we can get quality care at significantly lower prices than with Kiln Court.

“We would like to make more investment into care in the person’s own home.”

The council is investing more money in recuperative care, dementia services, extra care housing, help in remaining in the home and day care.

Cllr David Simmons (Con) said: “You will appreciate there is considerable concern in Faversham about this closure not least because there is a feeling that the services offered at Kiln Court are not offered elsewhere.

“A lot of the concern within the nursing staff at the cottage hospital is the role Kiln Court plays in the step after leaving hospital before being able to move home.

“I think that services providing respite should be in place before Kiln Court closes.”

The officers outlined seven options they had looked at before making a decision on Kiln Court.

They have chosen to close the home and provide alternative services in the independent sector.

Hilary Whelan, of Upper Brents, questioned the officers on Monday: “If that is the option you have chosen, then why are we having a consultation?

“If we are going to consult, then why tell us now and not after the event where is the care going to be provided and how much it is going to cost?

“I know that Kingsfield does not provide the care which Kiln Court does. The more home care there is, the more respite care will be needed. Home care is from family members and you will need respite and I don’t see where this respite care is going to come from.”

The consultation period runs from September 28 until December 20 and people can make submissions by clicking here.

A public meeting has now been arranged with the title Save Kiln Court on Wednesday, December 2.

There will be speakers from Age UK, KCC and the Clinical Commissioning Group at the Alexander Centre from 7.30pm.

The next Swale Borough Council Local Engagement Forum will also discuss the proposals.

That takes place next Tuesday, December 1 from 7pm at the West Faversham Community Centre in Bysing Wood Road.