POLICE and health bosses are to set up a pioneering new centre for sexual assault victims -- as long as they can find an extra £100,000 to fund the scheme.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Centre (SAFE) will be the first scheme of its kind in the country and aim to provide a co-ordinated package of support for all sexual assault victims, whether or not they complain to the police.

The running costs of the centre will be paid for with £50,000 per year from existing police budgets but is short of a further £100,000 to help set it up.

Police bosses have stressed that the scheme is not in jeopardy but are appealing for sources of funding.

They have employed an independent consultant to look at ways of raising the cash.

Lancashire has one of the highest levels of sexual crime in the country

The constabulary is working with health trusts including those in Chorley, South Ribble and Preston Acute Hospitals to finalise details of the centre which will be based at Royal Preston Hospital.

The SAFE centre would provide a fully equipped examination facility for forensic science investigations.

Services to sexual assault victims will include emotional and practical support, counselling, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, a telephone advice line and support through any criminal proceedings.

It is estimated that around 200 cases would be referred to the centre by the police and a further 100 independently by assault victims themselves.

Lancashire Police's Chief Constable Pauline Clare welcomed the centre. She said: "There are well-developed plans underway for the SAFE centre which will deal with any person in the county who is a victim of sexual assault, whether they go through police channels or any other method.

"It is very much a partnership between ourselves and the health trusts. We have the land and someone to build the centre. What we need now is the remaining £100,000.

"Sexual assault victims feel very vulnerable and at the moment they are taken to premises all over the county which are not fully equipped to deal with them. Hopefully this project will provide a solution."

The establishment of the scheme has been prompted by a Government report 'Speaking up for Justice' which recommended police forces should review the provision of facilities for complainants of sexual assault.

Although similar schemes operate in London and Manchester the Lancashire centre will be the first purpose-built one of its kind in the country.

The official opening is planned for June, 2002.