Council services set to reduce over the festive period

Emergency out-of-hours services will remain available for urgent situations such as social care

As in previous years, many public services and facilities run by Oldham Council and its partners will be reduced over the holiday period.

Emergency out-of-hours services will remain available for urgent situations such as social care, but residents should only use them in genuine cases.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “Residents should remain largely unaffected over the festive period with the Christmas closure scheme we have in place.

“This is usually a quiet time for the majority of the services we provide.

"Therefore, it makes good, economic sense for the council to operate a Christmas shutdown.

"It results in a saving for Council Taxpayers, as it enables us to shut down systems, such as heating, in council buildings.

“However, it is important for residents to know exactly what the closure arrangements entail so that they can get in touch with the right people if a genuine emergency occurs.

“We’d like to reassure residents that if they have an urgent need there will be staff and resources available to provide assistance, but please only contact us if you have a genuine need.

“We’d also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

The services affected – and details of emergency contact telephone numbers – are on the council’s website at: www.oldham.gov.uk/christmasclosure

The out of hours emergency number for social care is 0161 770 6936.

For other emergencies ring 0161 770 2222.

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