SOUTH Lakeland District Council has released details of its Christmas opening arrangements.

The council offices at South Lakeland House, Kendal, and Local Links at Ulverston Town Hall will be closed from 4pm on Monday (December 24). The offices will re-open at 8.45am on Thursday and Friday.

They will close at 4pm on Monday December 31 and re-open at 8.45am on Wednesday January 2 2013.

The office at Langstone House, Windermere, will close at 5pm today (Dec 20) and re-open at 8.45am on Thursday January 3.

On New Years Eve, South Lakeland House and Local Links at Ulverston Town Hall will be open from 8.45am and close at 4pm.

Members of the public can also telephone the SLDC Customer Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 between 8am and 6pm. In the case of an emergency when the SLDC Customer Contact Centre is closed, there are special telephone numbers that can be called. These should be used for help in the case of severe weather, if there are dangerous structures or if people are suddenly made homeless. The numbers are: Kendal & Eastern Area 0870 428 6905 Lakes, Ulverston & Western Area 0870 428 6906 Domestic refuse collections will continue throughout the Christmas and New Year period but the day of collection will vary to make adjustments for the public holidays. Residents are advised to consult their collection calendar. If weather conditions deteriorate then the service may be disrupted and for up to date information call the SLDC Customer Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 during the opening times. The Lake Warden service will be available every day except for Christmas Day. However, in an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard who will alert the duty staff. In the case of a non-emergency please call 01539 442753 and leave a message on the answer machine.

South Lakeland District Council will be open as normal from Wednesday January 2 2013. For more information please check the SLDC website at www.southlakeland.gov.uk For inquiries about council houses and repairs, South Lakes Housing will be closing at 1pm on Monday, but will be open as normal on Thursday 27 December and Friday 28 December. The offices will close at 1pm on Monday December 31 and will be open as normal on Wednesday January 2 2013. The repairs hotline is open throughout the Christmas period 24 hours a day: Repairs Hotline 0845 057 0080 For further details, check the website at www.southlakeshousing.co.uk