Streets will still be cleaned, housing officers available to help the homeless, and household bins emptied, throughout Christmas and New Year in Stafford Borough.

Several Stafford Borough Council staff will continue working during the traditional festive days off for most employees across the area.

The council offices at the Civic Centre, Riverside, in Stafford will be shut at 4.30pm on Friday 22 December and reopen on Tuesday 2 January at 8.30am. But the authority says some staff and council partners will be working in between those dates - or be on call to help vulnerable residents.

For example, on Christmas Day streets in the town centre will be cleaned - following late night celebrations - in anticipation for the traditionally busy Boxing Day for retailers and shoppers.

And housing officers will be on call to support those with emergency accommodation around the clock. More information can be found from the council’s website Homelessness - I Have or Will Have Nowhere to Live | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

Councillor Aidan Godfrey, Leader of the Borough Council, said: “Thank you to all those who will be working throughout the Christmas period, including some of our key local authority staff, to support our community and help those in need at a time when many will be looking forward to the festive break.

“I am very proud of our excellent council team and I am sure everyone who is helped will be grateful to them for keeping our services going at this time of the year.’’

He added: “I hope everyone will be able to spend time with family and loved ones and that you will stay safe and be able to enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year.”

You can find out how to get in touch with the council at Contact Us | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk).

Press Release No 6095