Council offering hot drinks in 'warm spaces'

More than 40 "warm spaces" are being offered in one council area as winter starts to bite.

Conservative-controlled North Northamptonshire Council says 45 organisations are opening their doors to "residents in need".

The initiative is operating in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Thrapston, Rushden, Oundle and surrounding areas, the council says.

Met Office forecasters have said snow is expected across the county.

Council leader Jason Smithers gave details of the initiative in an online post.

The council operated a similar scheme last winter.

Smithers said community organisations, volunteer groups and public bodies were involved.

Venues include libraries, village halls, churches and community hubs.

"Winter can be a challenging time for many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet," he said.

"We realise that it will be unaffordable for many residents to heat their homes for as long as they would normally do this winter.

"That is why we are running and supporting the 'Warm Spaces' initiative again this year.

"Warm spaces provide a safe, warm and friendly place where people can go to free of charge to warm up and have a hot drink - and socialise if they choose to."

Smithers said some buildings offered free facilities, including wi-fi, showers, baby changing areas and children's play areas.

He said organisations were offering "time and resources to local residents in need" and that "health and wellbeing advisers" would be on hand at many library sessions.

A Met Office amber weather warning of snow and ice is in place for the county until 12:00 GMT on Sunday.

A yellow warning of snow and ice is in place for most of the East of England, excluding some coastal parts of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, until 23:59 on Sunday.

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