By Megan Stanley

A West London council will be opening up its libraries for families struggling to stay warm this winter.

All 11 libraries in Hounslow will be open from October 24, until at least March 2023, for people wanting to stay somewhere warm as temperatures plummet.

The news comes as inflation figures show the cost of living has soared 10.1 per cent in the last 12 months to September, the highest it has been in 40 years.

Along with the soaring cost of energy bills, this winter will be causing concern for many across the borough.

In Hounslow,  nearly a third (29pc) of families are thought to be living in poverty, according to Trust for London. Out of those in poverty, 74pc are working households.

The warm banks – or warm spaces – across Hounslow will be free to use. There will be hot drinks and free wifi, plus staff on hand to advise people on how to get help on a number of issues.

Libraries in Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Heston will all be open for residents wanting to keep warm -Timings vary, but the majority will be open from 9am until at least 5.30pm in the week.

All warm banks will be closed on Sundays, apart from Hounslow Library, which will be open 11.30am until 4pm.

Other warm spaces can be found in Hanworth, Feltham, Cranford, Chiswick, Bedfont and Beavers.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: "Nobody should be exposed to freezing temperatures in their own homes. Please look out for information about our warm spaces, and make sure you protect yourself, your family, and our NHS this winter by getting fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu.

"With the continued threat of Covid-19 and flu season upon us, I would urge people to make sure they are doing all they can to stay well this winter. The last thing anyone needs this winter is to be suffering from avoidable seasonal viruses."

Hounslow Council has said that there are plans in the works to open up some leisure centres as warm banks this winter. The council has also been hosting Cost of Living Marketplace events where residents can get tailored advice and find out about services and benefits available to them.