SCORES of people turned out at a meeting to fight the possible closure of the Minnis Day Centre in Birchington.

As part of Kent County Council's plans to save £340 million over the next three years, a review was launched last week into the future of day centres across the county.

KCC's cabinet member for social services, Graham Gibbens, launched a consultation with staff, visitors and carers about future services.

The council argues that visitor numbers at the day care centre in Minnis Road dropped to 79 last year from 91 in 2010.

Sue Godby, a teacher from Birchington, attended the meeting. Her husband Chris is a regular user of the centre as he requires care after suffering a stroke.

Mrs Godby said: "I think the people from KCC underestimated the strength of feeling. I think they thought they would be greeted by a small group of quiet old people.

"When they arrived to see a group of articulate professionals eager to ask questions and challenge them, they seemed a bit overawed. They were definitely sent away with a flea in their ear."

Parish and district councillors attended the meeting at Bradstowe Hall in Broadstairs.

Birchington parish councillor Bill Furness said: "The audience were very angry at the way the meeting had been called as the room was too small.

"People had to listen in the corridors and in the dining room.

"Many people had to crouch in discomfort on the floor."

The matter will now be discussed by Birchington Parish Council. The consultation runs until April 26.

Feedback can be sent to Anne Tidmarsh, Kent County Council, 3rd floor, Brenchley House, 123-135 Week Street, Maidstone ME14 1RF, or to minnisconsult@kent.gov.uk

For more on the fight to save Minnis Day Centre see Friday's Isle of Thanet Gazette.