THE Cricketers Arms is one of many pubs to open its doors as a warm hub to help those in need during the cost-of-living crisis.

More and more people cannot afford the rising energy and food bills, with many going without food or heating.

After hearing that his local pub in Ormskirk was doing a similar thing, Andy Evans, the landlord of the award-winning Cricketers Arms on Peter Street in St Helens decided to open a warm hub in the popular local.

So far, they have been offering a warm spot with a hot cup of tea or coffee and biscuits – plus kind and friendly conversation – to those alone or in need over the festive period.

Andy said: “We certainly aren’t the only ones doing this. We started doing it a couple of weeks ago after our local the Kicking Donkey started doing the same thing and thought why not do it in St Helens.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch, but for me I imagine some pensioner sitting alone in the cold at home and that doesn’t sit right with me.

“So, we opened our doors, we’ve had bakeries donating their short date baked good for them too and we’ve had people come through the doors who said they haven’t been into a pub for 30-40 years.

“They can’t afford to have the heating on all day – neither can we really – but it’s the right thing to do and it helps so many people so we can’t not do it.

“People come in share their stories, have a warm brew in the warm for a few hours and a biscuit and it’s been great.

“It’s been lovely hearing the stories too.

“No one should be alone, especially over the Christmas period, if you are in need, turn your heating off and come to The Cricketers, we have a warm drink waiting for you.”

If you know of other businesses who have set themselves up as warm hubs, please let us know by emailing kelsey.maxwell@nqnw.co.uk