We have complied a list of everything you need to know about changes to Colchester Council services over the Christmas period.

From bin collections and the council’s helpline to opening times for museums and Leisure World – we’ve got you covered.

Bin collections and recycling

There will be no collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Collections due to take place on Christmas Day will instead be collected a day earlier on Christmas Eve.

Collections due to take place Wednesday to Friday of Christmas week will be one day later than normal.

Those from January 1 will also be delayed by one day during that week.

To find out more visit www.colchester.gov.uk/new-recycling-calendar.

Council offices

The council’s main offices will be closed on Monday, December 24 and will reopen at 9am on Friday, December 28.

It will also be closed on New Year’s Day but will reopen on January 2.

Visit www.colchester.gov.uk.

Community hub

After Friday December 21, the Community Hub, in Colchester Library, will only be open on Friday 28 December and Monday 31 December. It will reopen as usual from Wednesday 2 January.

For more information and also the library opening times, visit the council’s website.

Helpline

The emergency alarm, response and monitoring service, Helpline, will operate 24 hours-a-day, as normal, during the Christmas and New Year period, providing support and equipment for elderly and vulnerable residents. Helpline users can contact the service on 01206 769779.

More information can be found at www.helplineplus.co.uk/

Leisure World

Residents looking to burn off the extra calories consumed over Christmas, de-stress in the spa or who want to make the most of the school holidays can still pay a visit to Leisure World Colchester and Aqua Springs.

The leisure centre and spa will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, but open every other day over the festive period.

Please check the gym, pools and spa festive opening times on the website before visiting. Normal opening hours will resume on Wednesday, January 2.

Leisure World Tiptree and Leisure World Highwoods will be closed from Sunday, December 23 to Monday, January 1 inclusive. Normal opening hours will resume on Wednesday, January 2.

More information can be found at www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/

Colchester Castle

The castle will be closed over the Christmas period from Monday, December 24 to Thursday, December 27 and on Tuesday, January 1. Normal opening hours apply at all other times.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum will be closed from Monday, December 24 to Thursday, December 27 and on Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1. Normal opening hours apply at all other times.

Hollytrees Museum and the Visitor Information Centre

Hollytrees Museum and the Visitor Information Centre will be closed from Sunday, December 23 to Thursday, December 27, and on Sunday, December 30 and Tuesday, January 1. Normal opening hours apply at all other times.

Colchester Market

Colchester Market takes place every Friday and Saturday. This year an extra market day will take place on Sunday, December 23 from 10am – 3pm.

Mark Cory, the Leader of Colchester Council, said: “While most residents will be celebrating the festive season, we will be ensuring the key services people need and rely upon are available.

“I’m enormously grateful to council staff for the work that they do all year round to deliver frontline services on behalf of residents and businesses across the borough. It’s during the Christmas and New Year period when their commitment and dedication can be seen and appreciated the most.”