COUNCILLORS have continued to show their support for a well-used Warm Space initiative at St John’s Church in Wellington.

The church offers a “warm space” for people to meet during the colder months of October to the end of March and provides those who attend with a free lunch of homemade soup and a roll and a hot drink once a week on a Friday.

It costs around £1,500 to run the service over the six months - £300 for bread rolls, £300 for vegetables, £450 for contribution to heating costs; and £450 for electricity for warming the soup and making drinks.

St John’s Church submitted a request to Wellington Town Council for a £900 grant to help fund its successful Warm Space initiative.

Members of the council’s policy and finance committee met on January 13 and they agreed to support the project once again.

A Warm Space spokesman said: “We have around 30 people attend each week. The Warm Space allows people to meet and have the opportunity to spend time with others – especially those who are elderly, live alone or are vulnerable in the community.

“There is companionship from those who attend and we can keep a look out for those in need.”

The spokesman added: “This is all run by volunteers and we’re supporting the most vulnerable in the community who really benefit from the social elements as well as the practical support of receiving a hot meal and having somewhere to go in the colder months.

“Nothing is wasted. Any soup left over is given away free to any of the attendees who bring suitable container with them so they can take it home for later.”

Councillors discussed whether to award the money as a grant or take it from the council’s Cost of Living budget.