Free hot showers being offered at leisure centres

Information will also be available on how to stay well and safe this winter

Free hot showers are being offered at a swimming pool and a fitness centre to anyone struggling during the cold winter months.

Better leisure centres said Kempston Pool and Fitness and John Bunyan Sports and Fitness centre, in Bedford, would be open for local people on specific days.

Anyone who attends will be offered tea, coffee and biscuits, a place to charge their phone and use the wi-fi, all for free.

Aaron Colbert, GLL community sports manager for Better, said: "We know that winter can be a difficult and isolating time of the year and at the heart of the community, and as a charitable social enterprise, we always want to help."

Better operates the leisure facilities in Bedford and Kempston, on behalf of Bedford Borough Council

The Warm Spaces initiative was set up in 2022, in response to the cost of living crisis, and offered anyone living close to the two facilities "a warm welcome and comfortable seating", the charity said.

Kempton Pool will be open 09:00-15:30 GMT on Monday and Friday and John Bunyan Sports and Fitness from 11:30 -13:30 on a Monday.

Mr Colbert said: "There'll be a warm welcome from our staff to anyone who wants to pop in. "