Closure-threatened care home families 'fearful'

Furlong Close provides accommodation and support services to 36 adults with learning disabilities

Families of the residents of a closure-threatened care facility say they remain "cautious and fearful".

Wiltshire Council has been looking for a new operator for Furlong Close, in Rowde, since Hft said it was leaving.

However the first tender process to find a new operator was abandoned due to "additional information" about costs and the lease, with a new one launched.

Mark Steele, whose cousin David Harries, 65, lives at Furlong Close, said the decision was "mystifying".

Mr Harries has lived at Furlong Close for 18 years and has been unsettled by concerns over its future, said Mr Steele.

David Harries, 65, lives in supported accommodation at Furlong Close

"He's been obsessing about what's going to happen to him, where he's going to live, who's going to look after him. He's very anxious about his situation," he said.

"I don't really understand why the process was abandoned. We're feeling hopeful and we're comfortable that the council is intent on finding an alternative care provider, but given the history we are still cautious and fearful."

Trish Gange's daughter Katie, 41, has lived at Furlong Close for 11 years and she said they were concerned as nothing had been resolved.

"We were disappointed and alarmed that the original tender process was abandoned but very happy that a new process is being undertaken.

"We are cautiously optimistic that we might have turned a corner," she said.

Trish Gange's daughter Katie suffers from a rare form of epilepsy, with associated learning difficulties and mobility problems

Wiltshire Council said it has an agreement with Hft for it to continue providing care until a new operator is found.

Councillor Jane Davies, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said they were "doing all we can" to resolve the situation.

"These changes mean the timescales for resolving Furlong Close will be extended. However, I want to reassure residents and their families there is no immediate change to the arrangements for care," she said.

HfT said it remains committed to providing care and support until Wiltshire Council confirms its next steps.