CAMPAIGNERS have collected more than 7,000 signatures in opposition to the closure of The Limes care centre in Dartford.

Representatives from The Limes Focus Group and lead petitioner David Lloyd from UNISON Kent branch will give a five minute presentation at a Kent County Council (KCC) meeting on December 16 outlining their concerns.

It follows KCC’s proposal to close the centre in Brent Lane, which provides recuperative day care for up to 20 residents a day, including hot meals, holistic therapy and hairdressing.

The centre, which has 16 beds, also provides intermediate care for residents aged over 55 who may have recently left hospital.

Campaigner Laura Whitehead, who helped collect 5,445 signatures for the focus group, said: “It would be absolutely heartbreaking if the council decides to close it down.”

Beatrice Davis, of Hollytree Avenue, Swanley, has been receiving day care twice a week for two years at The Limes.

Speaking about the potential closure, the 83-year-old said: “It’s dreadful - it’ll be the end of my world.

“This is all I do - it’s wonderful.”

Fellow resident Betty Greenhill, 82, of Seymour Road, Gravesend, shares the same sentiments.

The mother-of-one, who came to The Limes in August for full-time care after leaving hospital, said: “Its annoying and makes me feel angry.

“We won’t have anywhere to go.”

KCC says those who receive day care will be given care within another service, while it will help place those in intermediate care somewhere else in the local area.

More than 40 people stand to lose their jobs should The Limes close, including drivers, housekeepers and carers.

UNISON’s Mr Lloyd collected 1,979 signatures on a separate petition and will stress the importance of the need for local jobs during his presentation to county members.

The fate of The Limes will be decided by KCC in January.

KCC says it proposed to scrap the home because the services it runs are too expensive and the building no longer meets the required standards of the Care Quality Commission.

If the closure of The Limes goes ahead, residents will have 90 days notice to find care elsewhere before the centre is potentially closed and sold in May next year.