More than 370 winter warm hubs set for Essex

13 local authorities across the county have confirmed they will be providing warm spaces this year

More than 370 warm hubs are planned to return for a second winter to help people struggling with the cost of living, a council has said.

Essex County Council said 74 of its libraries would remain open for people to access.

The council also provided £750,000 in funding for foodbanks and winter warmth essentials.

It said it wanted to "provide immediate support for those who need it".

Alongside the council, 12 other local authorities across the county have confirmed they will be providing warm spaces this year.

Gina Placey, independent councillor Tendring District Council, said: "We have supported community organisations to create warm hubs which we know can not only provide somewhere to keep warm, but also advice and support, and of course can help tackle isolation."

Essex County Council has invested £100,000 into a Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund which funded 92 projects across Essex

Chelmsford City Council had 72 warm spaces last year and said it expected the same again this year.

The following councils have confirmed they will be offering warm spaces/community hubs this winter, with further details on their location due to be released.

• Basildon Council

• Braintree District Council

• Brentwood Borough Council

• Chelmsford City Council

• Colchester City Council

• Epping Forest District Council

• Essex County Council

• Maldon District Council

• Rochford District Council

• Southend-on-Sea City Council

• Tendring District Council

• Thurrock Council

• Uttlesford District Council