Observer column 23 December 2022

I wanted to take this chance to let you know about the council's services over the Christmas and new year period. The majority of the council's services will be closed from 3pm on Friday 23 December until 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2023. My Hastings will be open for anyone who needs to report any issues, and so you can see your council tax or benefits accounts over the break. You can access lots of our services online, and find out answers to the most frequently asked questions on our website too.

All the details about our closures and service changes are on our website at www.hastings.gov.uk/my-council/christmas_information, but here are a few key areas that might affect you.

Waste and recycling collections will be affected over the bank holidays. Collections will be one working day later than usual from Tuesday 27 December, with collections returning to normal on Monday 2 January. You can check your collection date using your postcode on our website https://www.hastings.gov.uk/waste_recycling/lookup/

Garden waste and bulky waste collections will be suspended from Monday 26 December until Monday 9 January.

When you take your Christmas decorations down, you can take your real Christmas tree to Harmers Lane at Alexandra Park where they will be recycled to use in our parks and green spaces. This will be open from 31 December until 16 January, 8.30am to 4pm.

If you're out and about, some of our car parks will be closed, please check our website for full details. Parking will be free in our car parks on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

The Cemetery and Crematorium grounds and book of remembrance room will remain open from 9am to 4.30pm, except on 28, 29 and 30 December when they will open at 8.30am.

The West Hill Lift will be open from 27 December from 11am to 4pm, whether you're using it for pleasure or to help you see family and friends.

Don't forget that we have a wide range of parks and open spaces for you to enjoy a walk or catch up with friends or family over the break.

Key messages and dates will be posted on our social media channels over the break, but they will not be monitored over the closure period. Any messages will be replied to in the new year.

Information about East Sussex County Council opening hours over Christmas is on their website - https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/

My final message for 2022 is to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.