Hartlepool Borough Council have expanded the opening times of their warm hubs over Christmas, as many people in the region are struggling to heat their homes during the energy crisis. 

Hartlepool’s Community Hub Central and Community Hub South will open for longer over the festive period to offer warmth and comfort in their new additional roles as Warm Hubs.

Warm Hubs are safe and accessible public places where people can come together to stay warm, enjoy a bit of company and a cup of tea, as well as get practical tips and advice on saving energy costs and keeping safe and warm at home.

These hubs have been set up across the country in response to the cost of living crisis. The council have worked with organisations and businesses across the town, setting up a network of 12 warm hubs.

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Leigh Keeble, the Council’s Head of Service (Community Hubs), said: "We’re very pleased to be able to open Community Hubs Central and South on these extra days at a time when, as well as trying to keep warm, some people may also be in need of a bit of company.

"Whatever your age, there’s a friendly welcome for you at our Warm Hubs.

"With some of the hardest winter months still to come, we’d still welcome more organisations and businesses coming forward to join the Warm Hubs network."

Although not normally open on Saturdays, Community Hub Central in York Road will be open on Saturday 31 December from 10 am to 2 pm.

It means that, in the run-up to and over the festive period, Community Hub Central will be open:

Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 December – 10 am – 4 pm

Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 December – 10 am – 4 pm

Saturday 31 December – 10 am - 2 pm

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Community Hub South in Wynyard Road, which would normally be closed between Christmas and New Year, will be open on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29 December from 10 am to 2 pm.

It means that, in the run-up to and over the festive period, Community Hub South will be open:

Wednesday 21 to Friday 23  December – 10 am - 4 pm

Saturday 24 December – 10 am-12 noon

Wednesday 28 to Thursday 29 December – 10 am-2 pm

Normal hours for both Hubs resume on Tuesday 3 January.

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