The council have pledged not to let anyone in the community sit in the cold this winter as temperatures get set to drop this week.

West Dunbartonshire Council have vowed this year's programme of welcoming warm spaces will help residents stay warm during the colder months as part of their winter initiative.

The Winter in West Dunbartonshire initiative aims to ensure any local who wants to keep warm this winter can make use of the buildings open throughout the day, enjoy activities and access support.

From family-friendly clubs to arts and crafts, IT courses and book discussions, the schedule of free winter events taking place in buildings including libraries offers plenty of variety for residents of all ages.

And Councillor Michelle McGinty, chair of the local authority's cross-party cost of living group, explained nobody should be choosing between turning their heating on and staying warm.

She said: “We know many of our residents are impacted by the rising cost of living and this is even more of a pressure during winter when they need to heat their homes.

"Our priority remains to ensure that we do all we can to help people stay warm in their own homes, and our range of initiatives through the Cost of Living fund will go some way towards this.

"Our Winter in West Dunbartonshire programme supplements this and allows residents to make use of the large network of welcoming spaces we have, which will tackle loneliness and isolation as well as supporting people to keep warm.

“These hubs are open throughout the year but are especially important for vulnerable residents during the colder months.”

Last year, a number of schemes were introduced to reduce the impact of soaring prices on residents, including a £1million cost of living fund, a £250,000 Energy Fund and £1000 a week additional funding for food banks.

 

Councillor Clare Steel added: “Supporting our communities is always our priority and that is why, during this cost of living crisis, we are taking urgent, and tangible action to ensure that our residents are supported.

“Residents can attend activities at these locations without any need to discuss their personal circumstances, which will help reduce the stigma that often exists around poverty and asking for support.”

As part of the Winter in West Dunbartonshire initiative, free tea and coffee will be provided across the library network.

The full list of events and activities is available here and will be updated regularly: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/winterinwd