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.”

RELATED NEWS:

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