POOLE council was accused last night of letting down the women of the town by a member of a group fighting for a refuge to aid victims of domestic violence.

Jean Sargent, treasurer of the Women's Refuge Action Group said: "The Borough of Poole has let down women very badly in the last few years.

"Even little Weymouth has one - Poole has nothing, no refuge, nothing. Let's for goodness sake this time go for it and get it right."

She was speaking at a special meeting held at the Civic Centre to discuss the Domestic Violence Unwrapped report, which rev-ealed there may be at least 1,400 victims in the borough every year.

Answering the criticism, council leader Cllr Brian Clements said: "I think this project has demonstrated our commitment to wanting to deal with this issue in the most effective way we possibly can."

The Research and Advice Project (Domestic Violence) report was part of a two-year, £52,000 project including outreach work, funded by the council and carried out by Raglan Housing Association. It pointed to a clear need for a refuge or safe housing in the borough as well as increasing the hours of victim support available, help for children and perpetrators.

Many of the 50 people from many agencies and organisations who spoke at the meeting reiterated the need for accommodation.

Housing officer Ian Goddard pointed out a possible source of government funding with a 50 per cent council contribution, but the deadline for bids was December 15 and a housing association partner would have to be found.

Cllr Clements said this would be investigated.

Project worker Bridgette Cartridge said: "Poole has a problem whether we want to admit it or whether we don't. You can't talk about civic pride without talking about civic responsibility."