"As we approach the end of 2021, I'd like to say a big thank you to residents and customers for your support throughout the year, as we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Your cooperation has helped us to continue to deliver our essential services across Cheshire East despite the pandemic. We are also responding to the developing situation and putting plans in place for our services over Christmas period and into the New Year.

"We continue to work closely with partners to protect residents and businesses as far as possible from the threat of Omicron.

"To help protect yourself and others, I'd like to remind you of the importance of receiving your booster vaccination, and continuing to follow the government guidelines including wearing a face mask, maintaining a safe distance from others, regular testing and self-isolating if required. Stay updated with the latest guidelines on the Gov website.

"I'd also like to make you aware of the #Choosewellcheshire campaign, to help you make more informed choices on the appropriate course of care for any ailments or symptoms you may have, and relieve pressure on our local health services.

"Below you can find emergency contact information for council services if you need to contact us urgently over the Christmas period, alongside closure information for our offices. In the meantime, I'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year.

Office opening hours and emergency contact information "Over the Christmas period, our council offices will be closed, including our customer service centre. However in an emergency, our critical services will still be available should you need to contact us. "Our website may also be able to answer any general enquiries you have during the closure. Delamere House, Crewe, will close at 4pm on Friday 24 December 2021 and re-open on Tuesday 4 January 2022 for pre-booked appointments and meetings. The contact centre phone lines will also be closed during this time, except for highways emergencies, registration services, waste, emergency assistance for those facing immediate hardship and enquiries relating to Covid support. For these services, the opening times are as below:

• 29 December 2021 – 9am-4pm

• 30 December 2021 – 9am-4pm

• 31 December 2021 – 9am-4pm

Essential numbers to call in case of an emergency

• Concerned about a child? If you are in doubt about whether it is abuse or not – please call 0300 123 5012 for our office hours service, or 0300 123 5022 for our out of hours service.

• Cheshire East domestic abuse hub – if someone is at immediate risk of harm, contact the emergency services, dial 999 or 0300 123 5101 for our office hours service.

• For any concerns about an adult or for adult social care – contact 0300 123 5010 office hours service, or 0300 123 5022 for our out of hours service.

• Dangerous buildings – 01270 375256 office hours service, or 0300 123 5025 for our out of hours service.

• Highways – office hours service contact number is 0300 123 5020, or get in touch with our out of hours service on 0300 123 5025.

• Homelessness – office hours service 0300 123 5017 or for an emergency, contact the out of hours number on 0300 123 5025. "We hope that you have an enjoyable Christmas and stay safe over the festive period, and have a Happy New Year."