YORK could have a new women's refuge if city councillors give the go-ahead to provide £400,000 worth of funding.

Plans have been submitted and agreed to merge three refuges in the city and create a new one.

It all depends on the provision of £400,000 in funding to match funding promised by the Homelessness Directorate.

In a report to councillors, Julie Thirlwell, investment and development manager with City of York Council, said if the money was not put up Women's Aid would struggle to improve its service.

She said: "There is no other source of capital funding available to support this initiative.

"Women's Aid would have to continue operating from unsatisfactory premises and would struggle to achieve any service improvements to its vulnerable customers."

Ms Thirlwell said the £400,000 already promised would be lost if not put forward for the project as it is ring-fenced cash which has to be used for affordable housing.

The current main refuge building was also in need of repair and could incur "significant costs" over the next two years if the project failed to go ahead.

Ms Thirlwell said: "If funding is approved it will enable Women's Aid to provide quality supported housing to vulnerable people and improve the services they can offer.

"This is a worthwhile and exciting project for us to be involved with - one which will improve the quality of life for Women's Aid customers."

The scheme is a collaboration between the City of York Council, Women's Aid and Yorkshire Housing.

Peter Atkinson, director of property with Yorkshire Housing, said: "We are delighted to be working with City of York Council once again, to provide excitingly-designed, much-needed housing support for vulnerable people in the city."

The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the executive member for housing at the Guildhall on January 5, at 5pm.

Updated: 10:55 Monday, December 29, 2003