Communities are being asked to join Ammanford Library in helping keep people warm this winter.

The public library on Wind Street, along with council libraries in Carmarthen and Llanelli, are open for people to visit and keep warm as costs rise.

Visitors to either of the libraries are being welcomed with refreshments available, as well as access to television, newspapers and computers.

In addition to these, Carmarthenshire County Council is also encouraging communities to apply for funding to provide Warm Welcome Spaces within their areas.

New or existing projects can apply for funding.

A county council spokesperson said: “Pre-existing initiatives such as food banks, community luncheons, sports or social groups hosting events or serving refreshments can apply for funding.

“We are also encouraging communities to think creatively about the type of events that can provide a warm and welcoming space for those most in need in their communities over the winter months.”

A total of £180,000 is being made available through Carmarthenshire County Council’s Poverty Fund which is funded by the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Fund and other Welsh Government’s funding schemes.

To apply for funding, visit https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/community-information/bureau/poverty-fund#.Y0_Ht3bMLIW.

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Deputy Leader and Cabinet lead Cllr. Linda Evans said: “We all know that heating our homes will be considerably more expensive this winter, which is a worry that plays on everybody’s minds.

“For our part, the council is making our libraries in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen available to the public.

“Of course, we understand that we also need to provide Warm Welcome Places in other towns and rural communities of Carmarthenshire.

“That is why we are encouraging individuals and local groups to apply for funding from our Poverty Fund, which will allow them to finance new and pre-existing events and initiatives that could also serve as a means to provide a warm space for residents to attend, even if it is a few hours a week

“We understand that local communities know what initiatives will work best in their area, and suit their local needs. We want to work with communities across Carmarthenshire to create schemes that are tailored to the needs of their residents.”

Applications for funding from the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme can be made until November 18 and must be used by March 2023.