CASH collection services in Colne are set to be axed at the end of March.

The town’s Council Shop, in the Town Hall, is the first of four across Pendle that will stop accepting cash payments on bills in a bid to save money.

The move in Colne will see the council save £41,000, and it is expected that cash collections will also cease in Nelson, Barnoldswick and Earby, saving a total of £160,000.

Councillors, particularly those in West Craven, have previously expressed concern that the decision will affect isolated, elderly residents in the area, who don’t feel comfortable paying bills such as council tax online or over the phone.

Pendle Leisure Trust staff working at Colne Town Hall could take over reception duties as a result of the decision to end cash collection, and they will receive extra training so that they are able to deal with customers’ enquiries or sign-post them to the appropriate council service.

Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s chief finance officer, said in a report to councillors: “The expectation is that residents will switch to another payment channel.

“In some cases, existing infrastructure is sufficient to cope with additional transactions without there being any additional costs.

“On the other hand, in the case of Allpay, for example, additional transactions will result in additional costs per transaction.

“However, it is not possible to predict with any accuracy what these additional costs will be at this stage.”

The decision to end cash collection service at the Colne Council Shop is expected to be confirmed by councillors next Thursday.