Health chiefs want to replace six beds at the care home, on the town's Norwich Road, with a community care team which would look after frail elderly patients in their own homes.

But campaigners fear the move would mean the closure of the award-winning centre.

Gilly Foortse, chair elect of the Friends of Cranmer House, told tonight's full council meeting: 'The possible decommissioning of the six beds could bring the whole thing down like a house of cards.

'It would be an absolute tragedy. I do urge you to shout very loudly.

Mayor and council chairman Adrian Vertigan said: 'The town council will work as hard as it can within our remit. Let's hope we can move it forward as well.'

Councillors agreed to write to the North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, urging it to consult the people of the town over its proposals.

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed the CCG was set to take legal advice over whether it needed to hold a formal public consultation. But a spokesman said it had not yet sought the advice.

He added: 'Our plans remain under discussion and, as previously stated, we fully intend to engage with people from across North Norfolk and rural Broadland as we develop our Supported Care Service.

'As part of this, we have invited people in the Fakenham area to send us their views and comments.

'People can contact us by email at nnccg.contactus@nhs.net or by writing to North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, 1 Mill Close, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6LZ.'