The UK’s only safe house for children who have been trafficked is to close down, it has been announced by West Sussex County Council.
The council, which funds the service, said that a decrease in demand since the house began three years ago had led to their decision.
The anti-trafficking campaign group Ecpat UK, has written to health minister Jacqui Smith requesting a meeting to discuss the closure and the need for legislation and more support services for trafficked children.
"Although it is the only one in the country at least it keeps the issue of trafficked children on the agenda and provides a best practice model for other social services departments," said Carron Somerset, campaign officer for the group.
