BURNLEY Council is set to go interactive after launching a scheme to provide services over the internet.

By 2005 people should be able to pay bills, receive benefits, book theatre tickets and arrange funerals all over the computer or via digital TV.

The council has applied to central government for a £200,000 grant to introduce the changes as part of their promise to develop "E-government".

They have already been given a further £200,000.

A similar scheme is also being introduced by Pendle Borough Council which is looking at how it can use both text messaging, its corporate website and e-mail to consult the public on council issues.

Burnley Borough Council want the public to access information and services outside office hours, including:

Applying for council services

Booking venues and services

Paying bills receiving benefits.

Director of community and leisure services Mick Cartledge said:

"The important thing is that we have put the community at the heart of developing our electronic services. People's needs must be the driving force behind any improvements, not technology."

Coun Neil Akrigg, portfolio holder for communication at Pendle Borough Council, said: "We wish to give all of our citizens and stakeholders the ability to apply for services, comply with requests from the council, transact business and payments and communicate with the council electronically. We will, however, continue to support council shops and outreach offices to reach those citizens that cannot afford, or choose no to use, electronic means, to communicate with the council."