THE manager of Redditch women's refuge Crossways, which closed last year, is concerned residents are confusing the operation with that of another defunct town charity.

Maud Latarche claims she has been repeatedly approached by people who think the refuge was affiliated with Step Out Drop In, a charity for the homeless.

"I have had people come up to me in the supermarket making comments about my involvement with Crossways and it is clear they are confusing it with what happened at Step Out Drop In. It is very upsetting," said Mrs Latarche, 69.

Crossways, based in Oakly Road, was forced to close after almost 20 years of providing care for victims of domestic violence.

The charity was closed by Worcestershire County Council after questions were raised over the quality of service.

The Crossways committee has served the county council with a complaint against this decision, which is now being investigated.

Meanwhile, Step Out Drop In, based in South Street, closed earlier this year after hitting financial difficulties.

The Charity Commission is investigating allegations of financial mismanagement.

Mrs Latarche said: "We were not in any sort of financial problem whatsoever and are fighting the decision to close us."