I realise that the energy crisis is an ever-present worry for many people at the moment.

As the dark nights approach and the temperature starts to plummet, we are all looking at ways of keeping down our energy costs while simultaneously keeping ourselves warm.

Yes, I’m only boiling as much water as I need rather than filling up the kettle; I’ve started wearing a jumper (I hate wearing jumpers but needs must etc); I’m trying to avoid using the oven.

But obviously the biggest issue is the cost of heating so I did some research and I would like to draw your attention to two reports I found on a news website.

The first report had the headline: TikTok plumber reveals how keeping your heating on could SAVE you money, while the other had the headline: Martin Lewis explains why you should never leave the heating on low all day.

Oh well, that’s cleared that up then.

While we’re on the subject of the energy crisis and being cold this winter, I notice that councils and charities across the county have plans to set up so-called ‘warm hubs’ or ‘warm banks’ where those struggling to heat their homes can literally go to get warm.

So my thanks and congratulations go to Cheshire West and Chester Council (there’s a phrase you don’t hear me say very often).

CWAC is establishing a network of warm hubs that residents can access, starting with libraries across the borough from Saturday, October 15.

Anyone who thinks they may need to use a warm hub can find a list of libraries in the borough on the Find a Library service on the council’s website. The opening hours are available on each library’s webpage. Some sites are open all day and some for shorter periods.

The council’s website also helpfully says residents can ask their local councillor if they’re not sure where their nearest library is.

CWAC is also ‘exploring opportunities’ to expand the network and provide services to support people using the warm hubs. The council will be working with Cheshire West Voluntary Action and Cheshire Community Action, and the wider voluntary and community sector.

A statement from CWAC adds: “The council also recognises that not all residents will be able to attend a library or other community setting, and is working to ensure that residents can be safe, well and warm in their homes throughout the winter period.”

At the time of writing, Cheshire East Council seems to be lagging behind somewhat. I couldn’t find any information about warm hubs for CE but the council has asked people to be ‘good neighbours’ by checking in on friends and neighbours – especially if they are older or have health problems.

CE suggests a few tips on how to be a good winter neighbour. They include:

  •  Check on elderly neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well and prevent them from becoming lonely.
  •  Make sure they have enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather.
  • Give your telephone number to elderly neighbours so they can contact you for help.
  •  Check their home is warm enough.
  •  Keep drives and footpaths clear of snow and ice for your neighbours.

Now that is all well and good and I have absolutely no problem with people being good winter neighbours but it would be really helpful if CE could also let us know if it is planning on setting up warm hubs, and if so, where they are.

On another subject, I was interested to see that the former Conservative MP for Northwich Graham Evans looks set to be given a seat in the House of Lords.

The Daily Telegraph reported last week that Mr Evans was among a number of new peers likely to be created by Downing Street in the coming days.

Mr Evans represented the Weaver Vale constituency from 2010 to 2017, when he was defeated by Labour’s current incumbent Mike Amesbury.

At the time of writing, Mr Evans could not be reached for further comment, according to Local Democracy Service reporter Mark Smith.

That’s a shame because I have a question for Mr Evans. Given I can’t ask him personally, I’ll ask the question here: “Mr Evans, exactly what is it you have done since you lost your seat in Weaver Vale that means you deserve to be made a lord?”

I won’t hold my breath waiting for an answer.