A NEW refuge for vulnerable women and their children could be on the cards for York.

City of York Council is drawing up plans for a £450,000 new hostel to replace the current cramped base run since 1982 by York Women's Aid.

Paul Stamp, the council's housing development manager, said: "The building is of poor design with no disabled access, too many shared facilities and too little space for quiet rooms, playrooms and staff offices.

"The stairs are steep and, for some residents, a trip to the kitchen involves going down three flights of stairs.

"The building is also in a poor state of repair, with most costs falling on the council and continuing to rise. There is an expectation that major repairs will be needed in the next few years."

Members of the council's executive will discuss funding the new refuge when they meet on Friday.

They are expected to agree working in partnership with the Housing Corporation, which would cost the council £450,000, although the current refuge could be sold, reducing this cost.

The whereabouts of the hostel is kept confidential to protect those living there.

Updated: 11:52 Monday, October 28, 2002