The work behind Whitstable’s asylum seeker base has been praised by Green county councillor Martin Whybrow.

The Ladesfield Centre in Vulcan Close opened in September as a base for teenage migrants.

A month later the former care home was almost at capacity as Kent County Council dealt with an unprecedented surge in migrants entering its care.

Since then the number of boys has fallen to 21, with Eritreans being the largest group.

The centre had been empty for six years and KCC spent £300,000 making it habitable again.

It is due to be demolished at the end of January as part of plans to expand Joy Lane Primary School.

As well as Eritrea, there are teenagers from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Morocco.

Cllr Whybrow said: “Because they are conscripted at 15 to fight in the civil war and a lot of Eritreans leave then.

“There are fewer Syrian young unaccompanied asylum seekers because they are more likely to travel as family groups.

“Although the centre lacks facilities and the bedrooms are very basic, there is a decent lounge and a training kitchen which the boys can use.

"The Vietnamese are particularly good cooks apparently.”

He said they were becoming accustomed to the community.

“They are going out into the community, to the shops, to the youth centre and elsewhere.

“The food seems fresh and healthy and includes vegetarian options.”

Upon arrival the teenagers are monitored for post traumatic stress, depression and learning difficulties.

The boys learn English three times a week from representatives of the Gillingham FC Community Trust and police teach the boys about respecting women and not carrying knives.

Cllr Whybrow said: “The latter visits are particularly educational as the police in their home countries are rather different.

“There are interpreters available and visits from the Refugee Council.

“The support workers at the centre do a really good job and are firmly on the boys’ side.

“Certainly there was clear sensitivity and dismay at the behaviour and postings of a small number of people and genuine gratitude for the welcome from many others.”

As Christmas draws nearer, there will be non-religious celebrations, although some have started to put up decorations.

Cllr Whybrow said: “Gifts would be welcomed and the centre does want to give the boys presents at Christmas.

“I see no reason why someone shouldn’t coordinate this.”

The boys stay for six to eight weeks before moving into KCC’s Looked After Children service.

He said: “KCC needs other councils to take them as well and a letter from central government reiterated this.

“It is hard to tell from a single, short visit but they seemed as well as can be expected.

“It’s reasonably reassuring and probably the best of an awful situation but it seems there are plenty of people pulling together for these boys.”