Strabane’s first official ‘heat bank’ set to open next month

The spiralling cost of energy prices will be exemplified next month when the town’s first ‘heat bank’ opens.

Strabane and District Caring Services, based on Bridge Street, is aiming to combat the cost of living crisis by encouraging locals to their ‘Community Lounge’, due to open at the beginning of October.

The new facility is seen a way of bringing people together in the midst of the looming crisis, whilst also offering respite to others who cannot afford to have their heating and electricity on all day, with the possibility of a hard winter on the cards.

Jacqui Timoney, company manager of Strabane and District Caring Services, explained, “We don’t know what kind of winter we’re getting but with the prospect of a hard one, the idea is to give people a space to come and have a cup of tea or coffee and a scone, read the newspapers or watch TV and meet new people. They can stay and buy a lunch as well should they wish.

“Many will be afraid to put on their electricity or heating during the day in the cold winter months due to the spiralling costs of these amenities, not to mention food, and this will allow people the opportunity to not have that burden if only for a few hours.

“We’re starting it off in October, initially between 10am and 2pm but should the need become greater, we may look at extending it till later. So far there has been a great response, with a danger of the lounge becoming over-subscribed, but having spoken with community groups at meetings, there is a willingness to do something similar to the lounge (in other places). So should it become oversubscribed then we hope there would be other places for people to go.”

Cllr Raymond Barr, has praised the initiative. He said, “I would certainly applaud this idea as it gives people an outlet. Too many are afraid already to switch on electricity and heating, and that fear will only get worse as we head into winter. I can see people heading to the library, walking around the shops, or even go to the pub if it meant getting a bit of heat and light. Although I do welcome it, I would hate to think that something the like the community lounge might become a permanent fixture in society because of the cost-of-living crisis. If the government cannot ensure basic things like affordable, heat, light and food in 2022 then something is seriously wrong.”