A VOLUNTARY group which helps battered and abused women is set to get a grant for a new refuge in Blackburn.

Plans to move to a building more suitable for young children could have fallen through because of lack of cash but town hall bosses are backing the scheme.

Women's Aid currently runs two hostels in the borough but the group is hoping to improve facilities for abused wives and their children seeking refuge. One of the hostels cannot be used to house younger children and the group is hoping to move to a new building.

Blackburn and Darwen Women's Aid has already won a grant from the National Lottery for more than £152,000. But the total cost of the move comes to £167,534 and the group has been struggling to find the shortfall.

Town hall bosses are now recommending councillors approve a grant of almost £15,000 to make up difference.

The move is expected to take around three years to complete.

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