Wayfarers care home in Sandwich should be sold, a committee has recommended.

There has been strong opposition to the plan and campaigners are unconvinced by assurances that it will be sold as a going concern and remain as a care home.

The home’s future was discussed by KCC’s adult social and health committee at a meeting last Thursday, after the consultation period closed.

It was decided to continue to operate Wayfarers as it is for the next nine months to a year while Kent County Council works on selling the home to an independent buyer.

This is subject to final approval by Graham Gibbens, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, which is expected this week.

Dick Perry, chairman of the Friends of Wayfarers, said: “We are all extremely displeased. We fear that any promises given by the new owner may not be guaranteed.

“There is always a danger that the site will be sold off for building developments. It’s not good news.”

Mr Perry said the consultation took “no notice” of what people wanted, adding: “This is not a socially responsible decision.”

Plans to privatise the only care home in the town have faced strong opposition from staff, residents and community groups, as well as the town council.

Sandwich Town Council asked Cllr Gibbens on December 15 to consider an alternative proposal to continue Wayfarers as it is and “do nothing.”

In a report, KCC said: “The purpose of the proposal to sell as a going concern is to protect the care home provision in Sandwich. The proposal to sell to an independent provider who is able to raise capital and invest in care homes is, in effect, an investment strategy for the future of Wayfarers.”

KCC says it will ensure the new provider continues to operate the service as a care home, and that nine providers have already shown an interest.

Cllr Graham Gibbens said: “We are very pleased to have had so many people respond to the consultation and these comments have resulted in changes being made to our proposals.

“The wellbeing of residents that live at or frequently use the homes is our foremost consideration.

“The role of a council has changed and the independent sector delivers over 90% of services for adult social care.

“People are living longer with more complex conditions and they rightly expect more choice in care.”

A spokesman for the town council said: “Sandwich Town Council is disappointed that Kent County Council’s adult social care and health committee has recommended the sale of Wayfarers, and that it now looks likely the decision to sell will be made this week.

“Now we will petition KCC to ensure that the future of Wayfarers as a truly viable going concern is secure and that high standards of care continue to be offered to the current residents of Wayfarers and to other local people using its services.”