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 Tuesday (December 24), with normal opening hours resuming from Thursday 2 January. Normal opening days and times vary, visit www.durham.gov.uk/customeraccesspoints for more information.
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/First Contact 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 Thursday 2 January.
Our Housing Service will close at 12.45pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen on Thursday, January 2.
If you are being made homeless, please contact the Emergency Duty Team on the free phone number 0808 196 8406. The service will be open across the Christmas and New Year period for emergency calls only. General housing advice can be accessed via www.durham.gov.uk/housing.
The Register Office, which is located at The Story near Durham City, will close on Tuesday, December 24, at 12.30pm and will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
It will open for appoints only on Friday 27, Monday 30 and the morning of Tuesday 31 December but opening times will vary.
To make an appointment call 03000 26 6000. Normal opening hours will resume on Thursday, January 2.
Leisure centres will be open throughout the festive period except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The last swimming lessons/classes will be held on Friday 20 December and will resume on Saturday 4 January. Visit www.thriveleisure.co.uk for opening hours at your local centre.
Libraries will be closed from 12.30pm on Tuesday 24 December and will reopen as normal from Thursday, January 2.
Normal opening times vary for each library, with full details available at www.durham.gov.uk/libraries. Residents will still be able to access the library’s Borrowbox app with their library membership over the festive break.
Pathways day centres for adults will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Some Family Hubs will remain open over the festive period but will be closed weekends and bank holidays.
Families are advised to contact their local Family Hub before travelling to check if it is open or call 03000 261 111. Information and advice is also available at www.durham.gov.uk/helpforfamilies.
The council’s Welfare Assistance Service will close at 12pm on Tuesday. Normal opening times will resume on Thursday, January 2.
For information about support available over the Christmas period, visit www.durham.gov.uk/welfareassistance.
The Park and Ride service will not operate during any of the bank holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It will operate as normal, from 7am to 7pm, on all other days.
Wharton Park and Hardwick Park cafes will be open every day apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Wharton Park café is open from 10.30am until 3.30pm and Hardwick Park café from 9.30am until 4.00pm.
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/festive for more information and updates on Durham County Council services during the festive period.
