A Darlington councillor has criticised authorities that use the town's women's refuge but do not provide similar services of their own.

However, one of the councils singled out for criticism by deputy leader Councillor Bill Dixon has said it actually runs a refuge itself.

More than half of all the users of Darlington women's refuge are from outside of the borough.

Coun Dixon said: "This authority has got a long tradition of being a front leader in terms of domestic violence.

"We still have problems with other authorities not making any provision whatsoever.

"We are not going to turn any women away, but it's particularly galling that authorities like Richmond refuse to make any kind of provision but are happy to photocopy maps to our provision."

Darlington's cabinet has endorsed a five-year Supporting People strategy, which aims to provide opportunities for vulnerable people to receive the housing-related support they need to live independently.

Darlington has a purpose-built eight-unit refuge managed by Family Help.

Between May 2003 and January 2004, 76 women and 121 children were accommodated within the refuge.

The strategy says that one explanation for the use of the refuge by women from outside Darlington is the presence of Catterick Army base in Richmondshire.

However, Richmondshire District Council says it has had a three-bedroomed flat for domestic abuse victims since Christmas and is looking to increase emergency accommodation in the district.

Together with Hambleton District Council, it also employs a domestic abuse co-ordinator, who works closely with Darlington Family Help.

A spokeswoman said: "The two councils have a joint initiative and each pays Family Help £11,304 per year because it was recognised by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Domestic Abuse Forum that Darlington was doing work on behalf of both Richmondshire and Hambleton.

"This money has enabled the charity to offer a full outreach service in Darlington and North Yorkshire and, without this money, the charity has said the full service would simply not be possible."

She said that the Darlington refuge was part of a national network and not just for Darlington people.