Concerns have been raised over access to vital warm spaces being provided to help the elderly and vulnerable through winter.
The council’s warm hubs project was set up to help residents struggling to heat their homes in a cost of living crisis.
But Livingston councillor Maria MacAulay has raised fears many have not been able to access the services at these warm spaces because they are too far to walk especially for the infirm, and in bad weather.
READ MORE: West Lothian records 1,000 faults on EV chargers as tariffs introduced
Councillor MacAulay, for the SNP, asked if transport could be considered for those who needed it.
In a written question to Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick at the recent full council, she said: “It is refreshing to have a number of buildings open to help our communities keep warm especially in these difficult times. With winter climate and reduced bus transport this can be very restricting for many. Bearing this in mind will Community Centres be open to help those who cannot travel to the current Partnership warm hubs?
In a written reply Councillor Fitzpatrick, a fellow ward councillor for south Livingston said: “I would advise that there are over 30 warm welcome locations across West Lothian that are offering a location for people to meet and participate in community activities.
“All of the Community Centre Management Committees have been made aware of the Warm Welcome initiative and to date 10 Community Centres are providing a Warm Welcome location supported either by management committee volunteers or by organisations operating from the community centre.
“The council continues to promote the Warm Welcome initiative to the Community Centre Management Committees and details of the Warm Welcome locations are available to customers by following the link on the council website.”
Councillor MacAulay asked additional questions about weekend accessibility to warm spaces and: “how many council owned buildings will be open to people who cannot travel, to provide a warm welcoming hub?”
Councillor Fitzpatrick promised to provide written responses when the information was available.
After the meeting, Councillor MacAulay told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “ I have to say it is a worry that anyone is struggling right now, and I am concerned how folk get to the warm hubs especially if the weather is bad or with the current lack of transport affecting several areas in West Lothian.
“Local community centres may be closer than larger partnership centres and easier to access.
“Warm hubs are there to support those who really need them, and I want to ensure they can utilise these services and get some warmth, meet some folk and have a cuppa.”
READ NEXT:
West Lothian archery centre renamed to honour man who championed the sport
Nicola Sturgeon praised by West Lothian SNP leader for 'exemplary leadership'
West Lothian rats problems 'not on the rise' despite pandemic, statistics show
More than half of West Lothian council staff off sick for at least one day last year
West Lothian set to slash £1m from welfare payments in budget
