A DOMESTIC violence counsellor has welcomed the news that victims will soon have a purpose-built refuge in the town.

However, the woman, who works for the Wirral-based Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre and does not want to be named, is concerned that the location may not remain confidential.

She said: 'With Ellesmere Port being such a small town it's vital that the location remains confidential, otherwise there will be violent repercussions.

'The women and children have got to be protected and placed in a safe building. And it has got to be secure.'

Informal discussions are taking place between Wirral Methodist Housing Association and the borough council's planning department on several possible sites in the town.

The project is due for completion at the end of next year and will house six families.

The counsellor, who lives in Ellesmere Port, added: 'Although it's only big enough for six families, it's a step in the right direction because Ellesmere Port is rife with cases of domestic violence.

'At the moment, we don't know what kind of support will be provided in the refuge, but I hope there will be some form of counselling and help with such matters as court procedures.

'I think the nearest refuges are in Chester and Birkenhead, which increases the isolation. It's good news that one is finally going to be built in Ellesmere Port.'

One of the benefits of the refuge is that its location will not disrupt the education of children who stay there.

Alun Hughes, Wirral Methodist Housing Association's chief executive, said: 'Although in some cases, victims would benefit from being physically distant from the violent setting they have left, a local presence enables children and mothers to retain established social networks.'

He added: 'There will be plenty of support for vulnerable families to overcome problems.

'But the first step will be to meet with the planning department, councillors and residents to find a suitable site.'

* Although the Pioneer will be kept briefed on the site chosen for the new refuge, it will be our policy never to divulge its location - editor.

RASA will help sexually abused women in Ellesmere Port.

ELLESMERE Port women who have been sexually abused receive counselling in increasing numbers.

One of the main reasons is the newly-established Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) organisation, which arrived in the town six months ago.

RASA is a Wirral-based registered charity and one of its staff counsels women at an undisclosed address

The counsellor, who cannot be named, is delighted at the response but warns that with Christmas approaching, women should be on their guard when out drinking.

She said: 'Date rape is a common occurrence and women should be careful to keep an eye on their drink at all times. And if they are out dancing, one of the group should look after the drinks.'

The confidential weekly and free service for women in the town is hoping to expand in the New Year.

An extra counsellor has been appointed and a drop-in service is in the pipeline. The counsellor described the kind of abuse endured by women in Ellesmere Port.

She said: 'I counsel women who have been the victims of marital rape, ritual rape, gang rape for the sake of making a video, incest, rape where there is no prosecution, and date rape.'

Counsellors at RASA help even if the abuse happened 20, 30, 40 years ago.

It offers information and support to female friends and relatives of survivors and is run by women only.

You can speak directly to a support worker who will provide details about the service by ringing on: Monday 7-9pm Wednesday 2-5pm Thursday 7-9pm Sunday 3-5pm.

At all other times there is an answerphone service. For more information or to book an appointment phone 0151 666 1392.