Keeping in touch with Tameside Council over Christmas and New Year

Council services will close for the festive break, but residents can still access help and information anytime at www.tameside.gov.uk.

Most council buildings and services will close on or around Wednesday 24 December, although the website remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone needing support.

Libraries will operate reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Ashton, Hyde and Stalybridge will close at 5pm on 24 December.

Mossley will finish staffed hours at 1pm on 24 December, while Open+ access continues until 5pm.

Denton closes staffed hours at 5pm on 22 December, with Open+ available until 5pm on 24 December.

Droylsden ends staffed hours at 1pm on 22 December, also offering Open+ until 5pm on 24 December.

Dukinfield will finish staffed hours at 1pm on 23 December, and Hattersley at 5pm on the same day, with Open+ access until 5pm on Christmas Eve. All libraries reopen from Monday 5 January 2026 under normal arrangements.

Open+ self-access will not be available over Christmas and New Year. Full details of opening hours are at www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries or call 0161 342 4000 before 5pm on Tuesday December 24.

The council’s call centre and customer services will close at 5pm on 24 December and reopen at 8.30am on Monday 5 January 2026.

The Local Studies and Archives Centre will shut at 5pm on Christmas Eve and reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6 January 2026.

Portland Basin Museum will also close at 5pm on 24 December and reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6 January 2026.

Digital library services such as e-books and e-magazines remain available throughout the holiday via BorrowBox at https://tameside.borrowbox.com.

Mental health support is accessible even on Christmas Day – visit www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand/mentalhealth for details.

Waste and recycling updates can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/recycling. Download the Tameside app for updates and alerts, and to set reminders and report missed/lost bins.

You can recycle your real Christmas tree in aid of Willow Wood Hospice, Ashton. Register for a collection here. Alternatively, chop it up and put it in your brown bin.

Crews will also collect any additional recyclable waste left out with black or blue bins providing it’s in a clear or labelled bag.

If you feel you must contact Tameside Council over Christmas call 0161 342 2222 but please bear in mind this is a number for genuine emergencies only.

Tameside Council’s Executive Leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, and we hope everything runs smoothly for our residents. If you do need assistance, our website is always available with information and support.

“Also, it is important to recognise all the staff who continue to work throughout the festive period so the rest of us can enjoy our break. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge their selflessness and thank them for their valuable work.

“On behalf of everyone at Tameside Council – elected members and staff – I would like to wish our residents all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. We look forward to continuing to work with the community and all our partners in 2026.”