A network of venues will be made available this winter to keep residents in Stafford Borough warm as temperatures drop.

The scheme proved successful when it was rolled out last year with around 20 premises including village halls and community centres taking part.

Any organisation or group interested in joining in the warmer spaces initiative should contact WarmSpaces@staffordbc.gov.uk

Stafford Borough Council joined forces with Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust to create a series of ‘Warm Spaces’ that saw village halls, churches, and community centres open up as friendly, inviting places to help local people facing the cost-of-living crisis.

Potential venues will be given financial support towards some of their costs - which is being funded by Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT). The target is for the ‘Warm Spaces’ to be open at least twice a week for visitors until the end of March.

Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Communities at the borough council, said: “We were very pleased with the response from our community to this initiative when it was launched last year. The scheme provides safe, heated spaces in local communities and the feedback from those who used the venues was very positive.

“These are challenging times for many of our residents who may be facing a decision whether to save money by not heating their home properly, just so they can put a healthy meal on the table - and that is a choice they should not be forced to make.

The local authority has written to parish councils and community organisations across the area asking if they would like to join the project.

Councillor Hood added: “We are calling on venues to get in touch with us as soon as possible if they think they would be able to support this initiative and help people in their community.”

For more information on this scheme, and other support available for residents to help heat their homes, go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/warm-spaces

Press Release No 6085