HOUSEHOLDERS in Rossendale are being urged to save themselves time and trouble by signing up to the recently introduced Allpay smartcards to pay Town Hall bills.

The free swipecards allow payment of rent and council tax at post offices and retail outlets across the borough and save customers having to visit Rawtenstall's existing cash office.

An extra 1,200 people have signed up to the scheme in recent months, along with an extra 1,000 householders who have opted to make payments by direct debit since prize draws were announced six weeks ago.

Paul Bayes, Rossendale Council's revenues manager, said: "Advanced and easy-to-use technology means these days there is less need for people to travel to Rawtenstall to pay their bills.

"An Allpay card means the transaction is exactly the same -- but it can be done near wherever people live. Another advantage is that it will encourage people to visit outlets such as post offices which are threatened in some areas."

Application forms for Allpay cards and the direct debit scheme are available at all council offices. Rawtenstall's cash office will close in June so Mr Bayes is urging people to sign up in advance as each application will take at least a week to process.

The Allpay cards are not debit cards and require the householder to pay cash or a cheque to the retailer then the transaction will then be recorded at the Town Hall.