BCP Council says it is to continue to run its services throughout the festive period, only closing for just a few days.

The customer centres and telephone lines will be closed only from 2pm on 24 December and all day on 25-28 December and on 1 January.

Libraries will also be closed on those dates, with an additional early closure from 5pm on Thursday 31 December. However, online library services will remain accessible.

People will still be able to report issues online at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/report or via the out-of-hours emergency contact numbers, which are 01202 451145 for Bournemouth and Christchurch and 0800 506 050 for Poole.

For those needing urgent support as a result of coronavirus restrictions or concerns, the Together We Can helpline (0300 123 7052) continues to operate from 9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday, except from 2pm on 24 December until it reopens on Tuesday 29 December. The helpline will also be closed on 1 January.

There will be no rubbish, food (for Bournemouth and Christchurch) or recycling bin collections on 25/26 December or on 1 January. Catch-up collections will run from Monday 28 December to Saturday 9 January. Full details can be found on the BCP Council website.

Extra rubbish and recycling can be taken to the council’s Household Recycling Centres at Nuffield Road, Poole, Millhams, Kinson and Wilverley Road, Christchurch. All sites are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Recycling bins can take wrapping paper (that remains scrunched), Christmas cards (without glitter) and sweet tins, but trees will need to be disposed of by individual households; either taken to a recycling centre, or to Upton Country Park for free composting from 26 December to 10 January 2021. Alternatively, for a small donation your tree can be collected from your home by charity DiverseAbilities.org.uk.

In the run-up to Christmas, BCP Council is providing free parking in town centres from 4pm on Thursday evenings and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays, plus at selected district car parks from midday to 6pm on Saturdays. Free parking is also available from midday to 6pm on Saturdays in Christchurch courtesy of the town council. Those who prefer not to drive can instead enjoy discounted bus journeys with Morebus and Yellow Buses all day Sundays and from 5.30pm on Thursdays.

Cllr Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said, “Like everyone else our staff deserve a short break whilst we continue to put our best efforts into providing the services, support and information that our residents need. I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.”

Full details of the council’s travel offers, as well as information on festive events, opening hours, refuse collections, advice on staying healthy, help with fuel bills, Christmas bubble guidance, tips on travelling safely and details of the winter road gritting programme can be found online at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/festive.