The leader of Dudley Council has thanked the 600 staff who will be working, or be ready to called out at a moment’s notice, over the festive season.

Services such as social care, highways and refuse collections will continue over the  holiday period with many critical staff being on duty on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Other staff,  such as drivers of gritting lorries, will be on standby.

Cllr Qadar Zada, leader of the council, thanked employees for their commitment to ensure essential services still operate as Dudley residents enjoy their break with their loved ones.

He said: “While many people are enjoying Christmas celebrations with their friends and family, our hard-working teams continue to provide an around the clock service that is vital to our most vulnerable residents.

“Many of our essential services continue to operate throughout the Christmas period such as care services, winter gritting and children’s services.

“People can find out more about our Christmas opening hours on our website and refuse collections will be taking place on all days apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day with replacement collections planned for Saturday, December 22 and Saturday, January 5.”