The head of an old people’s charity says Sevenoaks District Council is throwing them out of their base in Swanley with nowhere to go.

John Arnold, 74, runs Rural Age Concern Darent Valley from offices in the High Street.

The charity used to run a shop and a day centre called the Meeting Point there but both were closed down in May.

They have been given until the end of August to vacate after the council extended an initial six-month notice period by six weeks.

Mr Arnold told News Shopper: "We have been in existence for more than 60 years and in these premises for 30.

"Completely out of the blue we got a letter from Sevenoaks Council in the middle of January asking us to vacate.

News Shopper:

A notice pinned to the former Age Concern shop. 

"It simply hasn't been possible and I feel we have been very badly treated."

Mr Arnold, who is the charity’s chief officer, says they are looking at a unit in Swanley Shopping Centre.

He said: "At the moment it’s looking unlikely that we can afford it.

"We’ve got nowhere to go and we don’t seem to be getting any understanding or support from the council.

"It’s often been said, don’t get old in Kent."

The Meeting Point used to provide services including hot meals, chiropody and a library for up to 30 people a day.

News Shopper:

Mr Arnold wants to keep RACDV in Swanley. 

RACDV does still run day centres in New Ash Green and Fawkham.

A Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said: "Since 2002 we have supported RACDV by allowing it to operate from a premises in Swanley for a minimal rent.

"This property is now in poor condition and in need of significant investment and neither Age Concern nor the council have the funds available for this work.

"We understand the day centre is now run from its own premises in Fawkham and the shop and office will relocate within Swanley town centre very soon.

"To assist them with this move we have agreed that the six month notice period be extended by an additional six weeks until the end of August."