A PETITION to save a shelter for vulnerable women has been handed over to the council official that penned a report recommending its closure.

Alan Goddard, who works for charity the Crisis Centre Ministries, has gathered 600 names calling for homeless shelter The Well to remain open.

Yesterday he presented it to homeless policy officer Tom Rhodes, at the council office in Amelia Court.

The Well provides support and shelter for women working in the sex industry but Bristol City Council is considering its closure due to funding cuts.

Consultation on a raft of changes to Homeless Prevention Services was carried out with a view to cut spending by more than £1.2 million.

But the move has angered those who feel the shelter, which costs £150,000 a year to run, offers something unique and much-needed for the women of the city.

Mr Goddard said: "We work closely with Alabaré, the charity which runs The Well, and feel passionately that it provides a crucial service to vulnerable women.

"It is a five-bedroom house providing supported accommodation for women leaving the sex industry; the only one of its kind in Bristol and to date it has helped 163 women. We launched a petition but we didn't have to push very hard to get the numbers of signatures. Some of the feedback has been incredible and we hope that Tom Rhodes, who wrote the report, will be able to see what a fantastic service this is and why it really must not close."

The consultation also set out plans to reduce the number of homeless women's bed spaces and the provision of women's support by generic hostels, which are considerably larger.

Supporter Richard Townsend, said: "To close the Well is to condemn these women to a life of slavery, when Bristol is trying to put right it's previous slave trade history."

Sheila Brewer added: "This is an important work to help women get free from exploitation and give them a chance of a normal life. I think it is very important that we do not sacrifice such projects."

The results of the council's consultation is expected in March.