THERE are multiple ‘warm hubs’ across Cheshire East and West where residents can escape the cold this winter, as well as enjoy hot drinks, food and company.

Councils and groups across the country have been preparing to open up warm hubs for communities as the cost-of-living crisis wages on.

The aim is to help those who may not be able to afford to keep their heating on, or to keep down people's energy costs.

We’ve put together a round-up of the facilities available to residents in and around Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich and Knutsford which are available to view on the Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council websites.

Please note, town/parish councils and community groups may have further warm hubs set up which are not noted on the borough councils’ websites.

All information taken from cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/education-employment-and-money/money-matters/warm-places-keeping-cheshire-east-warm.aspx and cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing-benefit-council-tax/cost-of-living-support/warm-welcoming-spaces.

All libraries in Cheshire East will provide warm spaces and comfortable areas for people to sit during normal opening hours.

As well as this, library staff will be able to signpost vulnerable users to charities and other council departments, provide free library membership to enable visitors to access a range of resources, free Wi-Fi, sockets and space for home workers.

Libraries in Cheshire West (excluding the Northwich Library building which remains closed) will also be providing warm spaces for residents who can then take part in library events, join the library for free to take advantage of the resources and get free access to Wi-Fi and public computers.

Some warm spaces in Cheshire West’s libraries will be open all day and some for shorter periods.

Details of opening times can be found on the libraries’ webpages.

Further warm hubs in Cheshire East

  • Wilmslow United Reformed Church

Available at the Undercroft Cafe from 10am until 1pm, Monday to Wednesday.

  • The Welcome, Knutsford

A warm, sociable space for the community to sit and watch television or chat with other people.

  • Holmes Chapel Everybody Health and Leisure Centre

Available Monday to Friday, 1.30pm till 3.30pm

Further warm hubs in Cheshire West

  • Lion Salt Works, Northwich

Residents can use the warm, welcoming Space at the museum’s café and shop area this winter.

  • Northwich Memorial Court

Available in the café, Monday – Friday, 8am - 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 3.30pm.

  • Winsford Lifestyle Centre

Available in the café, Monday – Friday, 8am - 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 3.30pm.

More details, including how to become a warm hub, can be found on the Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester websites.