A WARM welcome in a safe haven is being is made available to Gwynedd and Anglesey people struggling with the dilemma to “eat or heat”.

Cyngor Gwynedd is alerting people to a network of heated venues in North Wales where they can spend time in safety over the winter months.

The county’s Croeso Cynnes Warm Welcome scheme was launched back in October and offers a free place to keep warm.

The project aims to help those people who are finding it difficult to make ends meet amid the recent energy bills hike and ongoing price rises.

It’s a bid to help those coping with a cost of living crisis, the freezing temperatures and is also helping to address loneliness.

The drop-in locations include community venues such as libraries and leisure centres.

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Storiel in Bangor is just one of the Gwynedd venues, at the centre of Bangor where visitors can keep warm in a safe space, but where visitors also get a chance to see the museum and gallery exhibitions.

Cyngor Gwynedd is working with Menter Môn, Medrwn Môn and Isle of Anglesey County Council to administer the project.

The scheme has been made available with help from local businesses and other organisations.

Many local businesses and organisations are already open for people to drop in, stay warm and socialise.

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Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Deputy Leader of Gwynedd Council, said: “Now that the temperatures have dropped, I know that the cost of electricity and gas will be causing a headache for many people.

“It is a terrifying thought that some will have to choose between putting the heating on or buying food.

“I’m grateful to all the groups and businesses that have registered and are opening their doors for people to come in to keep warm.

“I hope it will help people who are worried about the effect of the cold on both their physical and mental health.

“I encourage people to come together and make the most of this community effort.

“Please don’t suffer alone when there are safe and warm places available to you.”

Lisa Markham, Library and Information Assistant at Tywyn Library – one of the Croeso Cynnes locations said:

“In these times of uncertainty and cost of living crisis, there is a warm welcome for all here at Tywyn Library and in every library in Gwynedd.

“We are also very fortunate to have received generous donations from users such as tea, coffee and biscuits to help towards the cause. We are thankful to everyone for their generosity.”

One Tywyn Library user added: “The Library is my happy place, which is made even better by the wonderful staff here.

“Without Lisa, the Covid period would have been much more traumatic. Many thanks to all the librarians for their work. ”

A plea has also gone out for organisations or business owners who can also offer a suitable and warm space, which can be registered through the council’s website.

Councillor Alun Mummery, Housing portfolio holder at the Isle of Anglesey County Council, said : “As fuel costs continue to rise, we are pleased to be part of the ‘Croeso Cynnes’ project and giving people free access to heated buildings.

“It’s so important that we act, as the current crisis will also have an impact on people’s physical and mental health.

“This is a nation-wide problem which is causing widespread concern – we are in a position to make a difference locally by working together, so it’s essential that we respond and do what we can.”

The Croeso Cynnes scheme is funded through Warm Hubs, the Welsh Government and the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities – The Welsh Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, with a contribution from the Anglesey Charitable Fund.

Cyngor also offers further help at its ‘one-stop-shop’ on the Council’s website.

There is advice on benefits, home energy and contact details of other organisations who can help.