Whitstable anger over temporary asylum seeker housing plan

The building is due to be knocked down in six months to allow the primary school to expand

Proposals to convert a disused care home into temporary housing for young asylum seekers have met with opposition from residents in a Kent town.

The former Ladesfield Care Home in Whitstable is next to Joy Lane Primary School, a nursery and an Age UK centre.

Parents have expressed fears for the safety of children, while Canterbury city councillor Ashley Clark said the plan "bordered on irresponsibility".

Kent County Council said it had a duty of care towards unaccompanied children.

According to latest figures, there are 516 children currently in its care, compared to 238 children last year.

The centre would be used as temporary accommodation for boys aged 16 and 17 who have arrived in the UK on their own.

Some parents at the neighbouring school said they did not believe it was a good environment for their children.

'Barb-wired fences'

"Can they justify putting vulnerable men who've been through traumatic experiences next to vulnerable children and the elderly?" Joanna Smith asked.

Lee Oliver said he was not happy that his child would see "barb-wired fences and security guards".

The building is due to be knocked down in six months to allow the primary school to expand, and would only be used to house young asylum seekers as a temporary measure.

Julian Brazier, the Conservative MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, said he had spoken to Kent Police, who did not believe there was a threat.

"I do understand people's concerns and Ladesfield is clearly not suitable as a long-term centre," he said.

In a statement, the Home Office said the UK had a proud history of granting asylum to those who needed it, and it took its responsibility in cases involving children seriously.