A Londoner who has "lived experience with poverty" is unhappy that most city services, including Ontario Works, closed last week and won't reopen until Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Mel Sheehan was upset to find signs at city offices Friday saying the closure will include four and a half regular business days.

"I don't think that as a city that's trying to take homelessness and poverty as a priority. We should not be shutting out those people from accessing social services during a very stressful and very difficult time for my friends on the street," said Sheehan.

She's particularly concerned how the closure will affect clients of Ontario Works, a provincial program administered by the city that provides financial assistance for basic needs like housing and food.

The city has posted its complete list of holiday closures here but essentially the administrative offices are now shut down until Tuesday, Jan. 2.

City of London spokesperson Pat McKague said the holiday hours have been in place for "a number of years."

She also points out that although administrative offices are closed, it's not a complete closure because a number of city services will continue through the holidays at a reduced schedule.

She also said the city took steps to let people know about the closure, with notices at city buildings and a post on their website. McKague also said many managers are on call to deal with any emergencies.