Refuge to be created for those fleeing domestic violence as council admits there has been no safe accommodation ‘for many years’

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A refuge for women and families fleeing violence is to be created in Bury with the council admitting there has been no safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse ‘for many years’.

Planning permission has been granted in the past week to convert a large detached property in the town into ten apartments over three floors to offer a safe haven to those facing intolerable conditions in their homes.

The facility will be operated by Calico/SafeNet and is a short distance from Bury town centre. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has chosen not to publish the precise location of the refuge in order to protect any future residents. READ MORE: Greater Manchester local elections 2022: In-depth analysis of every borough A letter in support fo the planning application to convert the building has been publshed by Bury Council.

Tom Hoghton, the council’s community safety manager, said: “The development of this refuge facility is a key priority for Bury Council as there has been no safe accommodation in the borough for victims of domestic abuse for many years. “Bury community safety partnership and strategic housing team have been working together over a number of years to develop safe accommodation in Bury.” The creation of the refuge comes after the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act placed statutory duties on the council to provide safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their children.