A NORTHFLEET day centre is set to close, leaving many older people "struggling" by themselves at home.

The decision was taken by charity Age UK North West Kent to merge the facility in Coldharbour Road with a similar centre in Swanscombe.

The move has left a former founder of the Northfleet Day Centre horrified.

Ted Rouse, 93, said: "I think the way these people have been treated is quite terrible.

"These are old people who are being left at home, struggling to afford to heat their houses.

"I helped raise the £15,000 amount - it took 18 months and was a lot of money at the time."

An Age UK North West Kent spokesman said: "A decision has been reached to merge the existing North West Kent day services with the Gravesend day service by no later than March 31.

"A decision has been reached to merge the existing services at Swanscombe in St Paul’s Close with the Dartford day service by no later than February 21.

"However, the board is pleased to announce that the charity is in strong discussions with another local charity, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, about preserving the Northfleet site."