To support residents this Autumn and Winter, Lancashire County Council (LCC) is to turn 64 of the county’s libraries into warm banks – places families can go for free to be in a warm space if they cannot afford to turn their heating on during the cold months due to soaring energy costs. This initiative is a major part of the LCC’s Warm and Welcome Places scheme.

All of the 64 libraries have disabled access and contain highly skilled staff who are well accustomed to assisting customers to access further information and support.

County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: ‘Many households are understandably concerned about the coming months and the challenges they will pose. That is why we are working hard to see how we can support our residents this autumn and winter. As a starting point, we have identified our 64 libraries across the county where residents can come to feel warm, welcome and speak to our staff who will signpost to further support. We know this alone won’t solve all of the issues, which is why it crucial that partners across Lancashire continue to work together to support and protect residents during this time.’

To offer further help and support, LCC Officers are working with district authorities to collate information about voluntary, faith and community groups in their areas which could get involved with this project.