CHELMSFORD Council's main office will be shut over the Christmas period.

Doors will be locked at the Civic Centre, in Duke Street, from 2.30pm today and will not reopen until January 2.

Other council facilities are also being run at reduced hours over Christmas including Hylands House and the offices for the park's stables visitor centre which shut at 12.30pm.

The offices will reopen on January 2 but under a new opening hours plan, Hyland House will remain shut until April 1.

Chelmsford Crematorium in Writtle Road will be shut on Christmas and Boxing Day along with New Year's Day.

For more information, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/christmas-opening-hours.