Fears over domestic violence service

FEARS have been raised over the future of a local domestic violence team with the police and crime commissioner set to announce the winner of a ‘tendering process’ to provide future services.

A petition has been set up to protect locallybased charities, including Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Domestic Violence Team (HARV) following the move.

An announcement is due to be made on Monday as to who has been awarded the contract, but a spokesman for the commissioner’s office said it would go to a national charity.

Commenting on the move, Debbie Fawcett, from HARV Domestic Abuse Service, said: “We provide a quality service, our commitment to service users is second to none.

“It speaks volumes that the Police and Crime Commissioner has made a decision to sacrifice quality. I believe victims across Lancashire deserve quality and am disappointed in how this tender has been managed from the onset.”

A spokesman on behalf of the PCC said: “A number of bids were received by my office as part of a contract tendering process.

“There will continue to be services to help victims of crime and domestic abuse across Lancashire. I want to absolutely assure everyone that my commitment to protecting victims and vulnerable people remains as strong as ever.” The petition has gained 898 supporters so far. To sign visit www. change.org and search for ‘HARV’.