I am very concerned that some 34 adults with learning disabilities - many of whom have lived at Furlong Close for decades and whose families had reason to believe they had a home for life - have received letters informing them the home will close. I regret this decision was made without any consultation with residents or their families. I wrote to Home Farm Trust, the owner and care provider at Furlong Close, on 13 November to ask for an explanation of this decision, and await a response.
I have every sympathy with HFT who are trying to deliver the best care they can, and I pay tribute to HFT staff at Furlong Close for the support they give their residents. I also know that Wiltshire Council are determined to ensure that all vulnerable residents get the care they need and deserve, and that compared to other councils our work with adults with learning disabilities is well funded. My hope is that, for those residents who wish to remain living at Furlong Close, a way can be found for the site to remain their home. To that end, I support Wiltshire Council's request to HFT to pause the process of closure until a proper consultation with residents, their families, care staff and the community, including a detailed assessment of every resident's needs and wishes, can be undertaken. It is not possible to undertake the consultation and assessment with the current restrictions on face-to-face contact. I hope therefore that HFT will formally suspend the planned closure of Furlong Close, and will agree a process with residents and their families, and with the Council, to undertake consultation and assessment once conditions permit.
