Oldham Council criticised for closing ‘warm banks’ on Sundays

Publicly accessible "warm banks" have opened in a bid to help residents who may be struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis.

All of the currently-announced locations are within public libraries.

However, none are advertised as opening on Sundays.

Council leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton says more will be announced, with at least three in each district and says criticism should be aimed at the Tories.

What is a warm bank?

As part of the warm banks offer, free hot drinks and a snack are available, and all regular library activities continue to take place.

The warm bank area, located near the library entrance, consisted of tables, five chairs and free tea and coffee.

Leaflets with advice on support for those in need were also on display.

Free tea and coffee is on offer (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

The council says it is working with partner organisations to offer additional advice, support and guidance to residents.

Karen, a supervisor at Oldham Library, said: “We’re really happy to have it, we want to be a place where everybody can come and be comfortable and enjoy our space.

“We’ve had a couple who have come in and made a brew and had a seat.

“It is sad that it’s needed, but with the times we’re living in we’ve got to react accordingly.”

The warm bank area at Oldham Library (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

‘Outrage’ over Sunday closures

Located in public libraries, warm banks are only open when the library is open.

Lib Dem Cllr Howard Sykes panned the scheme.

The former council leader said: “This is simply not good enough.  It is unimaginative and half-hearted.  The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t take Sunday off. 

“We need warm spaces that are accessible to residents all the time.  The council has only utilised libraries. 

“What about community centres and other public buildings?  What about those buildings used by faith groups? 

“In a rich country like Britain, it’s shameful that we need to consider ideas like warm banks to begin with, but if we’re going to do this, we need to do it properly.  It could make a real difference for vulnerable residents.”

Cllr Sykes said warm banks were only adopted after he wrote to the council in August, and a Lib Dem motion calling for them passed at a council meeting in September.

He added: “We have dragged the council kicking and screaming on this. Labour has tagged warm banks onto the end of their cost-of-living plans but clearly, their hearts aren’t in it. 

“The rest of their plan is unambitious. £1.2m of the promised £3m won’t even be spent this year. It’s an outrage and it doesn’t hold up to what is being offered by other local authorities.”

Leaflets with advice on the table at Oldham Library's warm bank (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Council leader hits back

Council leader Amanda Chadderton disputed Sykes’ claims, saying warm banks were "well underway" by the time Cllr Sykes had sent his letter.

She said: “To say we’ve been dragged here kicking and screaming is quite a stretch.

“Warm banks are one element of our comprehensive response to the cost of living emergency which was drawn up in consultation with other frontline organisations and plans were well underway by the time Cllr Sykes had written to us.

“That is why our libraries are already up and running as warm banks, with all other services continuing to operate. We are working with partners to open more sites as soon as possible and there will be at least three in every district.

“Cllr Sykes’ criticism would be better aimed at the Tories who created this crisis through their disastrous management of the economy.

“Under Labour, Oldham Council is investing £3 million to support residents affected by the Cost-of-Living Emergency.

“Anyone in need of support should visit www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp or call 0161 770 7007.”

Oldham Tories tell council to stop blaming Westminster

Oldham Conservatives spokesperson Dave Arnott pointed to government support already in place, such as the £400 energy rebate this winter.

He added: “The provision of ‘warm banks’ is a measure adopted by many councils across the UK as part of their local responses.

“In Oldham’s case, there must be further provision to extend the availability outside of normal business hours.

“I must share Councillor Sykes concerns that the councils plans seem unambitious and unimaginative, and that the council has predictably resorted to its default position of overlooking its own failings and attempting to divert the blame to Westminster, where it has no influence and cannot affect outcomes.

“I would urge the council to focus on what it can actually achieve in Oldham and engage more openly with all parties to support our residents.”

Full list, map, and opening times of Oldham warm banks

A full list of the currently-announced warm banks.

Chadderton Library and Wellbeing Centre

Burnley Street, Chadderton, OL9 0JW

• Monday to Thursday 9am – 8pm
• Friday and Saturday 9am – 5pm

Crompton Library

Farrow Street East, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8QY

• Monday to Thursday, 9am – 7pm
• Friday, 9am – 5pm
• Saturday, 9.30am – 1pm

Delph Library

Millgate, Delph, Oldham, Lancashire OL3 5JG

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 5pm
• Friday and Saturday 10am – 1pm

Failsworth Library

Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0FJ (in the Town Hall building)

• Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
• Friday 9am – 5pm
• Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Fitton Hill Library

Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre, Fircroft Road, Fitton Hill, Oldham, OL8 2QD

• Tuesday 2 – 5pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
• Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Greenfield Library

Chew Vale, Greenfield OL3 7EQ

• Tuesday 2 – 5pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
• Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Lees Library Community Hub

Thomas Street, Lees, OL4 5DA.

• Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
• Friday 9am – 5pm
• Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Limehurst Library

St. Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst, OL8 3HH

• Tuesday 2 – 5pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
• Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Northmoor Library

Chadderton Way, Oldham, OL9 6DH

• Tuesday 2 – 5pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
• Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre

Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL

• Monday to Thursday 9am – 8pm. Express library remains open until 9.30pm with limited service.
• Friday and Saturday 9am – 5pm

Royton Library at Trinity Church

Radcliffe St, Royton, OL2 5QR

• Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm (from 17 October 2022)

Uppermill Library

St. Chad's, High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6AP

• Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
• Friday 9am – 5pm
• Saturday 9.30am – 1pm