A care home on the Isle of Sheppey is to close after being labelled unfit for purpose.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made the decision as facilities at The Mount were outdated. There were also more staff members than residents.

The home in Delamark Road, Sheerness, housed adults with learning difficulties, and at full capacity it accommodated 11 residents.

However, a majority of the people living there since it was opened in 1976 have died, and one person left to go to an alternative care provider.

The remaining four residents left on August 15 and the home was deregulated by the CQC and closed down.

Eight staff members were made redundant, while six stayed on in the short term to clear the property and sort out paperwork.

They will leave for good on October 16. Manager Pam Balchin said: “It wasn’t money that closed us, it was just the building.”

Any cash left over from the clearing process will be donated to Isle of Sheppey Mencap, a charity supporting people of all ages with disabilities.

The Mount was founded more than 40 years ago by Island Round Tablers, led by prominent businessman Ken Shaw.

Father-of-three and grandfather-of-one Mr Shaw died at the age of 81 at his home in Minster in July.

He was involved with the initial fundraising for the scheme and maintained a big interest throughout his life.

Sharing her memories of the former business director, Mrs Balchin said: “The Mount wouldn’t be anything like it was without Ken Shaw.”

The trustees will decide on the future of the building at a later stage.