BCP Council has said all of the residents at the women's refuge in Bournemouth have now been relocated.

Bournemouth Women’s Refuge was a safe space for victims of domestic abuse and violence and previously housed 20 women and several children.

In May 2024, BCP Council confirmed the centre would be permanently closing.

Residents were given a 28-day eviction notice and told to start looking for private rental properties.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: “As of this week, all individuals and families housed at Bournemouth Women’s Refuge have moved into suitable alternative accommodation.

“Working alongside Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), BCP Council has supported service users throughout the process.

“Dedicated housing officers have been assigned to each individual to assist with rent deposits and housing applications, prioritising their needs to help them find alternative accommodation that’s right for them.”

More than half of the people housed at the refuge have now moved into independent accommodation in the private rented sector.

BCP Council has confirmed, both those privately renting, and those that have relocated into social housing, will continue to receive support from the council’s tenancy support team as they settle into their new homes.

Cllr Wilson added: “Several individuals were identified as requiring further refuge support and have been rehomed accordingly, where they will receive all the assistance they require to move on when they are ready.”