Campaigners who fought to keep an East Sussex care home open were finally defeated today when it closed for the last time.

The battle to save the Moreton Centre, in St Leonards, even reached the High Court of Appeal, ultimately to be rejected.

Councillor Bob Hart, who supported the fight for the centre, said: "There is a feeling of disappointment because the county council has such a short-sighted approach to care. There are a growing population of elderly people and the need for beds will double in the future."

Earlier this month The Argus reported how Moreton Centre resident Clara Dudley, who hand-delivered a 4,500 name petition to Downing Street, had been taken to the Conquest Hospital, after suffering a massive stroke at the home she was to be evicted from.

Her daughter Norma Dudley believes the stress may have triggered it.

Clara Dudley, 87, still cannot eat or talk and her daughter is a constant visitor at her bedside at the Conquest Hospital, travelling regularly from London.

Mrs Dudley was unavailable for comment today but previously told The Argus: "We said from the very start moving my mother would cause her to suffer or kill her."

The 18-bed home was pinpointed for closure by East Sussex County Council as part of a drive to ease bedblocking, with the possibility of it being turned into an NHS rehabilitation centre.

The day centre, used by around 20 people, looks likely to stay open for the foreseeable future.

Campaigners had their case thrown out of the Court of Appeal by Judge Mr Justice Maurice Kay, who sided with the Tory-run council following a two-day judicial review.

Residents were told they would be moved to local care homes but families say strong bonds formed between them and staff would be broken and criticised the council's consultation process.

Coun Hart said: "With the possibility of parts of Moreton remaining empty for up to a year while plans are prepared and planning permissions sought, the elderly respite users have plenty of reason to be both sad and unhappy now that the much appreciated home is closed.

"Coun Glazier has stated that, 'Clients who receive respite care at Moreton will continue to do so locally, although this will be provided by the independent sector at a different location.' Respite users are still waiting to be told where this new location will be."