TONBRIDGE and Malling has become only the second area in the country to adopt a 'sanctuary room' scheme for domestic violence victims.

The decision was made by the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's cabinet on Wednesday evening (March 31) at the council offices in Kings Hill.

The project, to be run on a trial basis, aims to enable domestic violence victims who are being harassed by ex-partners to stay in their own homes.

Victims would have a 'sanctuary' created in their home at a cost of about £800 to the council.

This would mean an internal room would be given metal window grilles and an outward-opening steel door with bolts and steel hinges.

The householder would also get a collapsible fire stairway and a personal alarm to call police in an emergency.

It is hoped it would cut homelessness levels in Tonbridge and Malling.

Cllr Nicholas Heslop (Con), cabinet member for housing, said: "The sanctuary project has been receiving a fair amount of local coverage, and some national, and I hope this means it will be successful.

"Officers have already been taking the proposal forward and preparations are being made for a launch."

Cabinet agreed recommendations to support a trial project, the cost of which would be funded through existing budgets.

Members will monitor reports on its progress which will be submitted to future meetings of the strategic housing advisory board.