Heatwaves prompt councillors to consider using council offices as public 'cool space'
Rising temperatures and multiple amber heat warnings this summer have prompted councillors to consider using Melton Borough Council’s offices as a cool space for residents.
Members at the latest full council meeting discussed the impact of the long sustained hot spells in the UK over recent years on public health, particularly with older people and those who live in properties where it is uncomfortable.
Former leader, Councillor Pip Allnatt (non-aligned), suggested a motion to use the council’s air-conditioned Parkside HQ as a potential refuge during future heatwaves.
His proposal described how it would help ‘vulnerable people of all ages but especially, elderly, house bound and others living in flats, mobile homes and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs)’.
Councillor Allnatt told the meeting that UK weather was getting ‘hotter and more volatile’, adding: “It would bring great relief to some people who are living in accommodation – not necessarily our accommodation – where it’s very difficult to keep cool.
“We’ve now got 14 million people who are over the age of 67 and that number is going up.”
The motion was supported by Councillor Sarah Cox (Labour) said it could work similar to the council’s warm space scheme, where churches and other community buildings opened their doors to allow residents to escape cold weather in the winter.
Her fellow Labour councillor, Mike Brown, also voiced support for the idea but he pointed out that the council had declared a climate emergency seven years ago and the authority needed to do more to mitigate the impact of climate change on communities.
Councillor Joe Orson (Conservative) said this wasn’t a new idea to provide cool spaces – he said Leicestershire County Council had previously done it and the borough council should seek advice from it.
Some members did point out the council would need to be aware of not compromising Martyn’s Law – which pledges to strengthen security around public buildings and events.
The motion was unanimously supported by all 24 councillors present.
Officers will now look into the logistics of a scheme where the council offices could be used in extreme weather conditions.