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A DROP-IN centre for victims of domestic violence is closing after only three years.
Sal's Place in Lancaster was hailed as a pioneering' centre for abuse victims which would make a difference to many lives when it opened in May 2005.
Cash was ploughed into the St Leonardgate project from a variety of agencies including Lancashire Community Safety Partnership and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime.
But a source close to the Citizen has told the newspaper that funding for the police-led project has been withdrawn - meaning that the centre will have to close.
Lancashire Police say that the operation is not closing down' but merely moving from its St Leonard's House premises - from where the drop-in is run.
The switch will enable Sal's Place to provide extra provision to Morecambe and the rural areas, it is claimed.
But Citizen sources, who wish to remain anonymous, say that the whole point of Sal's is that it is a one-stop drop-in'.
Without the centre the notion of Sal's Place cannot exist.
As yet no details of how Sal's Place will continue have been released - but sources say that it is unclear' what police plan to provide.
Ruthanna Barnett, co-ordinator at Lancaster and District Women's Aid says the centre will close on Friday.
She says the services provided by a variety of agencies have reduced over the period of the project because of a lack of funding but her group's services remain unchanged - and will continue to do so.
She says women from Lancaster, Morecambe and the rural communities will have access to help from outreach workers who they can meet anywhere around the district or at drop-ins which are planned at numerous places.
Insp Ian McCann of Lancashire police, told the Citizen: "Sal's Place is certainly not closing down but is moving out of its St Leonardgate offices. Staff who work with Sal's Place will be based around the district to provide a more widespread approach to help domestic abuse sufferers which will further enhance the services provided.
"The new arrangements will also lead to extra provision in Morecambe and in rural areas.
"The police are fully committed to providing support and guidance for those suffering from domestic abuse we would urge anyone who is having problems to contact us.''
Anyone requiring information, advice or assistance can contact Lancaster and District Women's Aid on 01524-383636.
6:45am Wednesday 12th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Sara Dunn, Lancaster University on 2:56pm Wed 12 Mar 08
It is with great sadness that I learn of the closure of Sal's Place. As no details of the centre’s “re-location” have been disclosed, I understand this to be the closure of a vital part of protecting Women from crime.
It comes as a severe blow and one that will no doubt be reflected in the number of reports about this hidden social crime.
Sara Dunn
It is with great sadness that I learn of the closure of Sal's Place. As no details of the centre’s “re-location” have been disclosed, I understand this to be the closure of a vital part of protecting Women from crime.
It comes as a severe blow and one that will no doubt be reflected in the number of reports about this hidden social crime.
Sara Dunn
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