A Farnley resident has spoken of his concerns that there are no warm spaces in either Farnley or Wortley to support people in the cost of living crisis.
Peter Allison, who is also chair at Farnley Community Centre, which hosts Farnley Food Bank, told councillors on the outer west community committee this week that people were in increasing need of support.
“I have a growing concern that Farnley and Wortley appears to be one of the only places in the locality that does not offer one warm space to its residents,” he said.
“Given that the energy support scheme is due to end in just over a months time the only saving grace is that we will then be entering the warmer period. Would you not see it as a priority to be working with organisations and establishments before next winter to have plans in place to avoid leaving people in the cold once again?
“In the past several weeks we are seeing at the Farnley Food Bank an ever-growing increase in issued vouchers, not to mention the fuel poverty and the pleas for support in what is already a difficult period.
“Surely this matter should take precedence? While we at the the community centre will do what we can – whether that is the food bank, or running our movie nights or other events – we cannot single handedly support the wider community.”
Councillor Mark Sewards (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) thanks Mr Allison for his work and for setting up the foodbank. He told the meeting, which was held at Farnley Hall on Tuesday, that there wasn’t a community hub in the ward, which had created problems.
He said venues were invited to apply to become warm spaces but venues also had to raise funds separately to match fund the initiative.
“I know the Lancastrian Schoolrooms in New Farnley did look at it, but when they saw they had to match fund they decided it was not achievable, on top of all the other fundraising they do. Maybe as [the council] need to look at that and maybe we just need to look at giving them the money.”
Mr Allison also raised concerns about what he claimed was a lack of funding for youth activities and services in the area,
Cllr Ann Forsaith and David Blackburn (Green, Farnley & Wortley) also thanked Mr Allison for his work and stressed all three councillors were working together on issues, despite their political differences.
Cllr Blackburn said he wanted to see more funding for youth services and activities better spread throughout the ward, including some of the most deprived areas, such as the Gamble Hills and the Heights.
The Outer West Community Committee is made up of five Conservative councillors, two Labour and two Green from the Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey wards.
People can find their nearest warm space here.
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