CAMPAIGNERS fighting against the controversial closure of a care home have presented their concerns to Kent County Council (KCC).

The meeting, on October 14, saw representatives from three Kent care homes, including Dartford’s Manorbrooke in Bevis Close, each give a five minute presentation to County Hall members in Maidstone.

The meeting follows KCC’s proposal to replace Manorbrooke with extra care housing in order to change the way residential care is provided.

Yvette Knight, a key member of the Manorbrooke pressure group, collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition, which entitled her to speak in person to the chamber.

Mrs Knight, 42, of James Road, Dartford, whose 94-year-old mother-in-law, Margaret, is in the home, said: “I was really daunted by the whole thing, but I think I got my point across.”

The mother-of-two highlighted the emotional effect the closure would have on residents, the high cost of the extra-care housing in relation to Manorbrooke and the quality of care.

Following the address, KCC member for the Manorbrooke petition Councillor Penny Cole spoke to members and lent her sympathies to the residents of Manorbrooke.

She said: “If this goes ahead, I will campaign relentlessly to ensure they find local homes that are the same, if not better, than Manorbrooke.”

Margaret Knight told News Shopper the proposal has caused her a lot of distress.

She said: “You wouldn’t like to be thrown out of your home would you?

“It’s my home and I don’t want to leave.”

The consultation period ends on November 1.

MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson supports the campaign against the closure of Manorbrooke.

He said: "I am opposed to the closure of Manorbrooke.

"I have held several meetings with KCC to express this view and I have visited the home and met with the residents and their families. "The residents are happy there.

"It is extremely worrying for them as they fear losing their home and being temporarily moved elsewhere and then back to the new Manorbrooke.

"This would mean living in three different places over a two year period. KCC claims that building a new home would improve facilities but at the end of the day your home is your home whether that is a mansion or a hut.

"If Manorbrooke cannot continue then I cannot see why KCC can’t buy a piece of land and build a new home before closing the old one.

"I hope that the consultation is not a done deal.

"Graham Gibbons who is leading on this for KCC is a decent man but I believe he has got this wrong and I have told him so. "It is also a good thing that residents were able to present their views to KCC.

"I hope that they take their comments on board."