Community centres and places of worship are "concerned" about the cost of heating buildings in the icy weather after energy bills soared this year.
As places where elderly and isolated members of the community go to socialise, get support and stay warm, community hubs don't see turning off the heating as an option, no matter the cost. But with temperatures dropping as low as -6C in Merseyside overnight, these centres will have to find a way to pay with their often limited funds.
Major Chris Herbert is co-leader of Walton Salvation Army, which runs a foodbank, warm hub and financial advice sessions at its church and community centre on Cavendish Drive. They've turned their boilers up to keep the building warm as the temperature outside drops, and as they prepare next year's budget, they're making room for this and rising energy bills.
