A WARM Bank is opening on Portland for residents who are feeling the pinch amid rising heating and food bills.

The public space at a Portland Town Council building will be open each Wednesday throughout the winter from 10am to 4pm, starting on Wednesday, November 9.

Residents are invited to come and spend the day in a centrally heated environment a the Portland Community Venue, Three Yards Close, Fortuneswell, to 'help save heating costs at home in these difficult times', Portland Warm Bank organisers say.

Portland town councillor Giovanna Lewis said she and fellow councillor Paul Kimber decided to act as the cost of living crisis became apparent.

She said: "Cllr Kimber quickly suggested we set up a working group to see what we, as councillors, could do so, together with Cllrs Carralyn Parkes and Pamela Boyce, we came up with a few initiatives, and the Warm Bank was one.

"It's really important that we rally round in these difficult times and making use of a space that is already heated throughout the day is really sensible.

"We all know and feel the pressures of increased heating and food bills, so as a council we decided we should step up and do what we can.

"We look forward to welcoming residents."

People are welcome to bring along their books, magazines, knitting or anything else they would like to do. Board games will also be on hand.

Anyone who would like to stay over the lunch period is welcome to bring along a packed lunch and drinks will be provided. It is hoped that in time warm wholesome soup and a roll will be available too.

Refreshments will be provided by the Guiding Light Spiritualist Church on Portland and Portland Rotary Club.

Save the Children in Easton has donated games and Island Community Action is recruiting volunteers who will ensure everyone has a warm welcome.

Portland Town Council is also pleased to be hosting the Portland Community Fridge, run by Catherine Bennett and her volunteers, at its council offices every Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 11am to 1pm.

Cllr Lewis said: "Community Fridges are about preventing waste and building strong community links for a sustainable future.

"Anyone can come along and benefit from surplus food on Portland.

"Our Co-ops on the Island at Easton and Fortuneswell, together with Lidl Portland let us collect their surpluses and hand them out to anyone who can use them.

"We've also been blessed with surplus food from gardeners who have donated an abundance of cooking apples, rhubarb, carrots, quinces and potatoes - all food that would not have been used and likely thrown away."