THE process to find a new care provider for Furlong Close has been unsuccessful, the council says. 

According to Wiltshire Council, it is speaking to the Friends and Families of Furlong Close after a tender exercise to find a new provider for the site.

Despite the tender exercise being advertised nationally, only one provider applied. 

A spokesman for the council said the applicant did not meet the “acceptable standard of quality” needed to provide care and support on the site.

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HfT is continuing to provide care and support at Furlong Close. 

In response to the news Antonia Field, chair of the Families and Friends of Furlong Close, said: "As the families of vulnerable, learning disabled residents of Furlong Close we are hugely disappointed that the tender for a new care provider has failed. 

“Over the summer the Families and Friends of Furlong Close have worked hard to put a series of options together to ensure that Furlong Close has a sustainable, long term future and we are due to meet Wiltshire Council officers next week to discuss how to develop a progressive and creative plan to enable our family members to remain in their homes as part of the village community that they love in Rowde.

“Now is the time for Wiltshire Council, the residents and their families and Hft to come together to put a long term plan in place and we look forward to playing our part in that plan."

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Corporate director of people at the council, Lucy Townsend said: “This is extremely disappointing news after a high-profile national search for a new provider. 

“The tender documents were clear regarding the requirements. 

“Although we cannot share commercial information, the one provider which came forward did not meet the necessary requirements to run and provide suitable care and support and ensure residents would receive a high standard of care.

“We want to thank the family representatives who worked hard with us to prepare the tender exercise and have taken so much time to ensure it had the right level of information. 

“The site is owned by HfT and we are speaking to them following this decision and we are considering all viable options.”