Scarborough council offers grants to open 'warm spaces' this winter
More people are expected to head to spaces like libraries and community centres as heating bills rise
Scarborough council is putting aside £10,000 to offer grants to venues planning to open warm spaces this autumn and winter.
More people are expected to head to libraries and community centres to keep warm, because of rising heating bills.
The grants of up to £300 will help the venues offer hot meals and refreshments, and the council is working with charities and community groups to open buildings.
Councillor Carl Maw, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member for stronger communities and housing, said: "There are many people in our borough who are struggling because of the cost of living crisis and things will get much worse if we have a cold winter.
"I am grateful for the support of organisations in the charity and public sectors who’ve already come together to offer warm spaces.
"I’d encourage any group or organisation interested in joining the warms spaces network to get in touch with us and also apply for funding to ensure the support is available for as long as possible."
An online database of warm spaces in the Scarborough borough will be put online in the next two weeks, and venues will be given stickers to put in the window.