A network of ‘warm spaces’ set up to provide support to East Ayrshire communities hit by the cost of living crisis is to be reviewed in light of low visitor numbers in some areas.

The spaces were set up at relatively short notice in late 2022 as the cost of living crisis, and in particular the rising price of energy, began to hit communities over the winter.

Concerns were raised during a progress report on the wider cost of living support being undertaken by East Ayrshire Council in February that some warm spaces were seeing very low visitor numbers.

READ MORE: Warm spaces to be reviewed as figures show a lack of visitors

The council is now looking to speak to communities in a bid to move towards a ‘mainstream’ network of spaces, that will provide all year round support.

A report to next week’s Cabinet outlines the progress of development of warm spaces, including both the leisure trust run facilities and those run by local communities, voluntary sector and faith groups.

It stresses the importance of the facilities and the part they can play in ‘supporting families and communities to mitigate against the cost of living crisis including wellbeing, digital inclusion, social interaction and access to food, energy and money advice and reduce social isolation across communities’.

While some venues registered low visitor numbers, many of the spaces ran alongside other event.

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The report states that all of the leisure trust venues had shown ‘at least significant increases in footfall’.

It acknowledged ‘that the Warm Welcome Spaces at some venues had lower footfall than might have been anticipated, sometimes considerably so’.

The report says that programmes will be revised so that ‘delivery will best meet the needs of our communities going forward, including refinement/reconfiguration/re-location of Warm Welcome Spaces’.

Some of these ‘refinements and adjustments’ have already been instigated following feedback from councillors.

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Councillors had pointed out the ‘vital importance’ of continuing to provide essential food provision support for communities.

The report continues: “In relation to the Warm Welcome Spaces the ambition is to move to a mainstreamed network of venues which is available all year round providing the right support and activities where and when people need it.

“To progress this East Ayrshire Leisure Trust (EALT) plan to conduct a review of venues which will involve public engagement to explore how local people want to shape Warm Welcome Spaces for future sustainability such as activities/programmes provided, opening hours and how to use these spaces.

“The EALT review will continue to enhance and refine our Warm Welcome Spaces offer, noting there will be no further investment required for these
venues in terms of set up or infrastructure.”

The report will be considered by East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, May 17.