THE following public services provided by the district and county councils will be closed for the Christmas period:

Libraries All libraries shut at 1pm today (Christmas Eve) and will reopen on Tuesday December 29. They are also closed on New Year's Day.

Recycling All household recycling centres in the county close at 1pm today, and will reopen on Sunday December 27. They will also close on New Year's Day.

Meals on wheels The county council has assured residents the service will still be provided throughout the Christmas period, despite ice on some roads.

Council house services Tenants needing emergency repairs can contact the Civic Offices on 01992 564000, unless the problem relates to gas appliances or a gas leak.

For those in the south of the district, problems with existing gas heating systems can be reported to T A Horn on 01992 703079.

Those in the north can call Graceland (Complete Maintenance Services) on 020 8502 2250.

Gas leaks or suspected fumes should be reported to the National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999 (24 hours).

Roads The county council has promised all 65 of its gritting lorries will remain on stand-by throughout the Christmas period in case further bad weather should strike.

Civic Offices and the information centres at Waltham Abbey Town Hall and Loughton Library closed today at 12 noon and will re-open for normal services on Monday January 4 at 9am.

Rubbish and recycling collections A revised service is operating over Christmas, with normal collections resuming on Monday, January 18.

The district council's housing portfolio holder Cllr David Stallan said: “I would ask our residents to contact us only in a genuine emergency as we will only have a limited number of staff on duty over the festive season.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”