A HOUSING Association is seeking funding to establish a £1m Women's Refuge in Peterlee.

The existing safe haven in the town has been in use for more than 15 years and is too small and in need of extensive refurbishment.

The Endeavour Housing Association, supported by the District of Easington Council, last year applied for cash for the project from the Housing Corporation.

Yesterday, the executive member for housing at Easington Council, Councillor Colin Reynolds, said that although the initial bid had been rejected hopes were high that a fresh application would be successful. Coun Reynolds said it was now clear that a new refuge was needed for the town.

"The current premises are not big enough and also need updating,'' he said.

"Unfortunately it is a sign of the times that such accommodation is needed and we will have to look at larger facilities in view of the growing problem."

The present refuge, he said, was often struggling to meet demands and its interior was outdated.

But with hopes high that the cash will be sanctioned this year, preliminary searches have already been made for suitable sites for the new refuge, which is estimated to cost in the region of £1m.

"Three possible sites have already been earmarked," said Coun Reynolds, who confirmed a future for the existing refuge building was also under consideration

The number of applications for housing from homeless people has been increasing on a daily basis in the district of Easington.

If funding is secured by Endeavour Housing it looks likely that the council will seize the opportunity to transform the current refuge into special temporary accommodation.

The council and Endeavour Housing are confident that the provision of a new refuge would not only protect vulnerable women but also provide support for homeless people.