Lancashire County Council’s social media post “celebrating” the launch of the warm spaces scheme to support residents stuck with heating bills has been modified after being condemned by Labor politicians.
Posting on Facebook and X, the Tory-controlled authority said: “Lancashire’s libraries are once again providing warm spaces.
“To celebrate the relaunch of #LancashireWarmSpaces we came to Kingsfold Library in Penwortham to chat to some of our regular visitors.”
This angered councilor Samara Barnes, who represents Halleholme ward on Rossendale council and Rossendale West on county government.
Councilor Samara Barnes condemned the post
She responded: “We definitely shouldn’t be ‘celebrating’ any of this.”
Now the county council has replaced the word “celebrate” with “mark” on the post.
Labor councilor Barnes told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I’m shocked to see Lancashire County Council using the word ‘celebrate’ in its communications around the warm banks because that’s the absolute last thing we should be doing things.
“We should recognize that this is the second year that local authorities have had to step in and support our residents because of the cost of living crisis caused by the Conservative government’s failures.
“Celebrating this is like celebrating the opening of a new food bank.
“Who would have thought that by 2023 we would be opening up public spaces and encouraging people to use them for warmth.
“I think it’s disgusting that it’s being promoted as a good news story – it’s a crude angle and we should acknowledge our efforts but certainly not celebrate it.”
County councilors in cozy bank library
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “This is a genuine error and absolutely does not reflect the council’s position on this truly important issue.
“Our warming center scheme made a huge difference to so many people last year and we want to make sure residents know they can access this valuable service again this year.
“We really hope people will take this up and pop into their local library where they can enjoy a cup of tea and a warm welcome.”
Councilor Michael Green, head of health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: “We want people to know that there is support available to help reduce the cost of living.
“The services provided in our warm spaces encourage people to stay in the library and give staff the opportunity to tell them about the many things the library has to offer and what further support is there.”