A COMMUNITY group is hoping to expand its services in feeding people who need it by fundraising for new heating equipment.

Barrow Community Kitchen could be open five days a week instead of two if it can install new heating and insulation rather than leave people ‘shivering with their coats on’.

Based at Roosegate Community Centre, the community interest company is hoping to raise £3,000 to pay for new radiators and insulation on the windows and has launched a fundraising drive.

Community kitchen director Margaret Sedgwick said: “At the moment it’s too cold for us to open as much as we would like.

“We want to be able to support elderly people in the winter and give them a place to eat and talk to people.

“We want to be open more, but people are complaining it’s too cold. They’re sat in their coats shivering.

“We desperately need insulation because all the heat is disappearing out the windows.

“We are finding it hard that we can’t help people who are in need.

The kitchen is currently open on two days a week. On Friday it provides three courses for £3 and a lunch on Sunday is free.

It is staffed by volunteers and around 30 people, including older people and young families are said to visit for a free meal every week.

The Warmth to Eat appeal has so far raised £40 towards its target.

Ms Sedgwick said if the money was raised quick enough, the new equipment could be installed in time for Christmas.

She also said anyone who can help provide equipment or help in another way would be welcomed.

Barrow community kitchen will be holding its free three-course Christmas dinner on December 22 between 1.30pm and 4pm.

The community came together to support the group earlier in the year when it was vandalised. Bosses managed to raise £1,000 to fix its windows and garden ornaments.

Donate at www.gofundme.com/f/bck-hub-warmth-to-eat-appeal