A NEW service for women who suffer domestic abuse and violence is set to be launched in Burnley.

The drop-in service, to be launched on Monday, October 22, at the Retreat and Recover Centre in Hammerton Street, will support women looking to escape abusive relationships or needing support to stay in their own homes.

Set up by Burnley's Strategic Domestic Abuse Management Group to replace Burnley Women's Aid, which closed at the end of September, the scheme will be managed by Burnley Women's Refuge Association.

Funding for the service has been secured until the end of March, but organisers hope they will be able to secure more cash to continue.

A bi-lingual support worker at Tuesday and Thursday drop-in sessions will ensure women from ethnic minority groups will not miss out on help and there is also a helpline number to call or text for support.