Leisure Centres To Be ‘Warm Banks’ As Cost Of Living Pressures Mount
Written by HFM News on 10th November 2022
Harborough’s leisure centres are to act as ‘warm banks’ to help people struggling to afford to heat their homes.
Anyone concerned about rising energy bills will be able to visit Harborough Leisure Centre or Lutterworth Sports Centre and use areas free of charge from Monday.
Individuals do not have to be a member of the centres to take advantage of the warm space.
Matt Hopkin is contract manager for Everyone Active, who operate the centres in partnership with Harborough District Council:
Harborough Leisure Centre
Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a welcome addition to the package of support already being offered to help residents with the rising cost of living. As a council we have also put together some information, and useful links to a range of different agencies, which may be helpful to residents of the Harborough district.”
Details are on the HDC website at www.harborough.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the Opposition, said: “The news of these warm hubs is very welcome. When, several months ago, I raised with officers the need for this to be considered and championed I believed it to be an important support for our community.
“Location of these hubs will of course be a crucial factor with accessibility a prime concern. I hope that the provision of these first facilities in the District will encourage consideration of more warm hubs in a variety of easily accessible and centrally situated buildings. HDC has the opportunity to champion this and encourage involvement of many who will want to offer support across the whole of our District.”
