Westmorland and Furness Council will close most of its offices on Good Friday, April 3, and Easter Monday, April 6. The main switchboard will close at 5pm on Thursday, April 2, and reopen at 9am on Tuesday, April 7. Despite closures, several essential services will remain operational during the Easter break.
Contact and Emergency Services
During the closure period, a recorded message will provide information and emergency contact numbers for highways, homelessness, and adult and children’s social care. Emergency children’s social care support can be reached at any time via the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 373 2724. For adult welfare concerns, residents should call 0300 373 3301 or the 24/7 emergency number 01539 768700.
Waste Collection and Recycling Centres
Bin collections in Eden and Barrow will continue as usual on Good Friday and Easter Monday. In South Lakeland, Good Friday collections remain unchanged, but Easter Monday collections will be delayed to Tuesday, April 7. Subsequent collections in South Lakeland will also be one day later than usual. Household Waste Recycling Centres will stay open throughout the bank holiday weekend, mostly from 8am to 6pm, though some sites may have different hours. The HWRC permit helpline will not be available on bank holidays and weekends.
Leisure and Social Care Services
Leisure centres will operate during Easter but may have reduced hours. Residents should check individual centre websites for details. Residential and home care services will continue 24/7. However, Adult Social Care offices will close on April 3 and reopen on April 7.
Highways and Repairs
Highways services will be limited from 5pm on April 2 until 8.30am on April 7. Only emergencies posing immediate risk to life or property will be prioritised and should be reported to the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. General issues like potholes, flooding, and streetlight problems should be reported via the council’s online form. Urgent council housing repairs in Barrow and Penrith can be reported anytime by calling 01229 833311.
Other Services and Advice
Archive centres and libraries will close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday but remain open on Saturday, April 4. Registration services and Trading Standards offices will be closed from April 3 to April 7. Residents are advised to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or email 101@cumbria.police.uk to report cold callers or suspected rogue traders. The council also emphasises its commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse through safe accommodation and community services.
