Map shows free places to cool down in London

A "cool map" is helping people to find places in London where they can take shelter from the sun, cool down in air-conditioned spaces, use the toilet and refill their water bottles.

Mapped venues range from the O2 and the Royal Opera House to the Imperial War Museum, churches, community centres and libraries.

As well as showing where Londoners and visitors can take a breather from the hot weather, the Cool Spaces map details places with shade provided by tree canopies and which have free drinking water fountains.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) said the information on its map was valid from Monday 1 June until Wednesday 30 September.

People at Balham Library told BBC London they thought the scheme was a great idea.

One student studying for her A-levels said: "It's a lot easier, because it's cooler than it is at home."

Another woman said: "It's perfect, so helpful."

The Billy Youth Engagement project in Canada Water is another venue throwing its doors open to people who want to cool down, and people there said they liked going there as the heatwave means "it's too hot in houses".

DJ Olivier, who is a director of the youth centre, said: "We need more of them.

"It's too hot in houses so the young people prefer to come here; they come here for activities, they play games and they come to the park."

Angel said she liked going there to try different activities and "because of the air-conditioning, it's really hot outside and I can revise."

The GLA warned the Cool Spaces "are not designed to support vulnerable individuals on hot days" , nor a medical care substitute if someone is unwell because of overheating.

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