HOUSING bosses are clueless over how to save a threatened care home for the elderly after failing to halt dwindling numbers.

Clover Grass Court, in Bratton, has been faced with closure for almost a year but now West Wilts Housing Society has admitted it has no options left.

Despite almost half of the 24 studio flats remaining empty the housing society has refused to allow any new tenants to move in.

Since March 2003 anyone inquiring about a room has been told there is no space left, fuelling fears that the 12 elderly residents will be moved and the building closed.

Housing bosses have refused to rule out shutting the sheltered accommodation but claim a decision has yet to be taken.

Many of the residents at Clover Grass Court come from the Westbury area and stay at the flats to remain close to their families.

Paul Moore, director of property services at West Wiltshire Housing Association, said: "We have absolutely no options and no idea what to do with the building.

"We will be carrying out a housing market survey into Bratton to assess the situation but we cannot rule out selling the building or introducing mixed-use accommodation.

"Anyone inquiring for a room will be told there are no vacancies because we don't want to get into a situation where someone moves in and is then asked to leave shortly after when we make a decision.

"We have similar problems across the region but for some reason Bratton is less popular because it is too isolated."

Clover Grass Court has been open since 1981 and has space for 24 elderly residents.

Since 1998 many of the rooms have laid empty and now 11 of the studio flats have no tenants.

Westbury town councillor Michael Pierces' mother, Dorothy, died in December after staying at the popular home for three years.

He said: "The residents have had monthly meetings with housing bosses and been kept informed of any changes.

"There are 11 vacancies and a home like that can't carry on with empty rooms.

"It would be a disaster for Bratton. It's such a lovely little area. My mum was absolutely thrilled to pieces as they really look after them there and they can keep their independence.

"They have a warden calling in every day and most of the people are friends because they have lived in the same village. It wouldn't be the same if they were moved all over the place."

A decision on the future of the sheltered housing will be made in February after the appointment of a new rural housing enabler.