Christmas and New Year closures

Residents in County Durham are being reminded that Customer Access Points and most other county council buildings will be closed over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Customer Access Points will close at 12.45pm on Friday, December 23, and reopen on Tuesday, January 3.

In the event of an emergency, residents can still contact the council on 03000 26 0000 or use the 24/7 automated payments line on 0300 456 2771.

If you are concerned about someone who is vulnerable or at risk, you should contact Social Care Direct and the Emergency Duty Team on 03000 267 979. The service will be open across the Christmas and New Year period.

Online services will still be accessible over the festive period but requests may not be processed until council offices reopen on Tuesday, January 3.

Register offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and all bank holidays. Bishop Auckland and Durham register offices will open for appointments only on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December but opening times will vary. To make an appointment call 03000 26 6000. Normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday 3 January.

Leisure centres will be open throughout the festive period except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and all bank holidays. They will also close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres for opening hours at your local centre.

Council libraries will close on Friday 23 December and reopen on Tuesday 3 January. Opening times on Friday 23 December may vary. For more details, please check individual library hours at www.durham.gov.uk/libraries. Residents will still be able to access the library’s Borrowbox app with their library membership.

Pathways day centres for adults will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Family centres will close or have restricted opening times over the festive period. Users are advised to contact their local centre before Christmas to check when it will be open or call 03000 261 111.

The council’s Welfare Assistance Service will be closed on bank holidays and weekends and will be open reduced hours, from 8.30am to 12pm on Friday 23 December, and from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 December. It will also be open from 9am until 12pm on Friday 30 December. The service can be contacted on 03000 267 900.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/festive for more information and updates on Durham County Council services during the festive period.