A historic church is opening its doors to welcome people in to keep them warm this winter.

St Joseph’s RC Church, at the junction of Horace Street and Harold Street in Halliwell, has announced that it will run a “warm welcome space” over the winter months.

This means that people welcome to come into a warm space in the church, meet other people and enjoy various activities regularly on Fridays and Sundays.

Cllr Kevin Morris, of Halliwell, said: "This is a great idea and initiative by parishioners and local volunteers who are doing great, positive and pro-active work in their local communities.

“This will offer people who may be lonely, or just want a chat, maybe want a quiet moment, or worried about bills and heating costs a chance to come to a warm, social and quiet space.”

The Bolton News: Cllr Kevin MorrisCllr Kevin Morris (Image: Bolton Council)

The warm welcome space initiative comes after long running concerns about soaring fuel prices and the number of people across Bolton struggling to pay bills.

In May of last year, the government’s figures found that as many as 18,250 families across Bolton were already living in fuel poverty even before bills had begun to soar.

This meant that around 14 per cent of people in the borough were so hard pressed by energy prices that their incomes were below the poverty line.

This will become especially acute as temperatures plunge in winter and people continue to struggle with high energy prices.

ALSO READ: St Joseph's RC Church Halliwell celebrates 125th anniversary

ALSO READ: Halliwell pupils and parishioners visit town hall

ALSO READ: Resident's energy bill 'shoots up' by more than 100 per cent

But people going to St Joseph’s during its regular warm welcome sessions will be able to enjoy a well heated space where they will be offered free wi-fi, refreshments, digital support and other activities.

Cllr Morris said: "During this cold spell and with Christmas approaching this is an ideal time to support people who may feel vulnerable and offer them somewhere nice and pleasant to visit, as the community space within the Church as recently had a wonderful renovation.

“I, along with my ward colleagues Cllr Rabiya Jiva and Cllr Safwaan Patel fully support this and will certainly attend to meet the volunteers and those attending."

The warm welcome sessions will run at St Joseph’s RC Church every Friday from 11:30am until 1:30pm and Sunday from 11am until 1:30pm.