Oxfordshire warm bank busier as temperatures drop below freezing this week
Temperatures have hit below minus centigrade this week
As temperatures have hit below freezing at points this week across the county, an Oxfordshire warm bank says seen a rise in the number of people needing their services.
A warm bank makes sure people have a place to stay warm for those struggling to afford heating in their homes.
“Huge impact on to people's lives”
Wantage Leisure Centre is a local warm bank in Oxfordshire, Assistant Manager, Pam Radley said: “The leisure centre is the heartbeat of the community and it's the rightful place that we should open our doors to our local communities.
“Our staff are ready and willing to talk to you, have a chat and make you feel welcome and supported.”
The leisure centre offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and tea and biscuits, which “really makes a big difference”, says Ms Radley.
Temperatures across the UK has seen the coldest recorded January night in 15 years this week.
In other parts, by the most northern region of the Highlands, overnight temperatures dropped to minus 14.5C overnight into Friday morning.
Ms Radley said: “Particularly in in these weather conditions that we're experiencing now it’s a really significant thing and it's very rewarding for us.”
Since its launch two years ago, the Warm Welcome network has helped an average of 120,000 people each week.
“None of us like to see people struggling so the fact that we can make a difference here in the Community is really important to me. It's also really rewarding for me that I can see such a small thing make such a positive, huge impact on to people's lives”, says Ms Radley.
You can find your local warm bank here LINK
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick previously said: "Today will still be a chilly one.
"By Monday, we are expecting the temperatures to come back up to what we would expect for this time of year, which is around sort of 7C (or) 8C."
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has urged people to remain vigilant following recent flooding, with combined rainfall and snowmelt potentially contributing to continued river flooding in some parts of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Tuesday.