With the rising cost of living and particularly rising fuel bills starting to bite, Herefordshire Council has begun a list of “warm spaces” in the county where residents can stay cosy and safe.
The initially 10-strong list, of which seven are libraries, are all “safe spaces available to anyone in Herefordshire, where they can go to warm up, see a friendly face and get support”, the council says.
“No matter why you need it, all warm spaces in Herefordshire are non-judgemental environments where anyone is welcome and will be treated with utmost dignity and respect.“
A council spokesperson said that “at least some” of the county’s 67 Talk Community hubs would also be included in the programme.
“We’re currently working with community groups to explore ways in which warm spaces can be enhanced,” she added.
“Ideas include, providing health checks, homework support as well as hot meals for those who need them this winter.”
The council is asking anyone else able to offer a warm space to please register with them and help grow the list.
Libraries
Colwall Library
Open: Wednesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm; Saturdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Hereford Library (Broad Street)
Open: Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays, 9.30am to 1pm
Kington Library
Open: Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm; Thursdays 9.30am to 12.30pm; Saturdays, 9.30am to 1pm
Ledbury Library
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm; Saturdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Leintwardine Library
Tuesdays, 10am to 1.30pm; Thursdays, 1pm to 4.30pm; Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon
Leominster Library
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm; Saturdays, 9.30am to 1pm
Ross-on-Wye Library
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm; Saturdays, 9.30am to 1pm
Council-run libraries at Belmont, Bromyard, Peterchurch and Weobley are not currently listed as Warm Spaces.
Other buildings
Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, Rotherwas
Open: Tuesdays to Fridays, and second Saturday in the month, 10am to 4pm
The Courtyard theatre, Hereford
Open from 10am, Monday to Saturday.
The Lion Café, Kington
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 4pm, Fridays until 4.30pm