BY PETE HENSHAW

CREWE'S Women's Refuge has been all but saved after more than 100 volunteers came forward to offer their help.

The refuge was in desperate need of volunteers and was in real danger of closure as reported on the GUARDIAN'S front page on December 28.

However, since the article was published around 100 people have come forward and offered their support to the refuge.

Lily Jones, co-ordinator at the refuge explained: "The response from the community has been amazing, we were overrun and were taking calls on New Year's Eve. We have sent membership forms to everyone,"

The refuge faced closure as members were desperately needed for the management committee which runs the facility, based in Crewe.

The job involves monitoring the service and overseeing and safeguarding the future of the refuge.

"Twelve people have nominated themselves to be on the management committee and we also have 38 new members," Lily added.

The committee needed at least seven members and these have to nominate themselves at the Annual General Meeting of the refuge, which is to be held on January 22.

The Women's Aid Refuge is actually a charity and has been in existence since 1977.

Crewe is well known as a domestic violence blackspot and the refuge is a temporary home for up to eight women who have found themselves the victims of physical abuse or were living in constant fear of being hit by their partners.

The refuge also allows children to stay with their mothers which makes it a particularly important place at Christmas and New Year time.

"Thanks to the GUARDIAN the response has been great, but we are still in the balance," said Lily.

"It was wonderful to have a brilliant response from the community, and it is great to know what they thought of the service we provide here, we were praised to the sky," added Lily.

People who are interested in becoming members are still encouraged to get in touch and they can contact Lily on 250390.