Godmanchester Town Council has been awarded £500 of Community Chest funding to establish a Warm Space in Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery in response to the rising cost of living.

The Warm Space will be open weekly, offering a friendly welcome for residents to visit throughout the colder winter months.

Refreshments and activities will be offered free of charge, and residents can access other avenues of support if required.

Community Plant Nursery manager, Oscar Jeakings, said: “Godmanchester Town Council are really pleased to receive £500 from Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), this will support the Town Council's efforts to deliver a community space this winter for the residents of Godmanchester at the Community Plant Nursery site.

“This funding will enable us to purchase furniture, books and activities for users of the Community Hub.

“This grant funding will enable residents of Godmanchester to have a warm space to use over the winter and a space to socialise and enjoy.

“Hopefully, this new community space will help to reduce loneliness and fuel poverty in the town this winter.”

HDC's Community Chest grant scheme aims to help small groups and organisations deliver projects that benefit the local community.

This is the first time the Community Chest grant has been utilised to fund a Warm Space.

Organisations that register for the Warm Spaces programme can apply for a Warm Space Community Chest Grant to help them create or improve Warm Spaces to make a positive difference for those living in the area.

Executive councillor for community and health, Ben Pitt, said: "It is wonderful to see HDC supporting Godmanchester Town Council through the Community Chest Grant Scheme.

“With the winter months fast approaching, it is reassuring to see local community organisations coming together to help tackle the unprecedented pressures resulting from the cost-of-living crisis.

“This grant will enable the set up of this welcoming environment to be a central location for the local residents in Godmanchester, making a positive difference to the local community.”

The Warm Space in Godmanchester will act as one of several Warm Spaces and Warm Hubs opening in Huntingdonshire this winter.

For more information about Warm Spaces, visit the district council's dedicated webpage or view the full list of available Warm Spaces and Warm Hubs across the district on The Hunts Post.