A housing complex for young single mothers is under threat after £10,000 in funding cuts were announced.

Colne Housing runs Stephens House, in Everest Way, Heybridge, which houses women aged 16 to 25 who are pregnant or have a child under two years old, At the end of last year, Essex County Council said it would not be renewing its funding for 2014.

Stephens House is unable to open full-time without the money and there had been discussions about opening just once a week to offer support.

District councillor Mark Durham, who chairs Maldon District Council’s community services committee, had intended to fight the cuts with other committee members.

County Hall has now decided to give the £10,000 for 2014, but no decision has been made for the long-term.

See this week's MBS for the full story.