COUNCIL house tenants in Ramsbottom are being givebn more choice as to when to pay their rent.

Currently, direct debit payments can only be collected on the first of each month.

However, from the New Year, tenants will be able to switch payments to either the 10th or 20th of the month with a third alternative to stick with the 1st.

Bury Metro's housing spokesman Coun John Smith said: "There is no doubt that direct debit is one of the easiest ways to pay bills, but one of the things tenants have been telling us is that just having one collection date can cause problems.

"Therefore we have introduced the two additional dates which should be acceptable to all."

The new system will start in January although tenants who wish to switch should inform the council now.

The housing finance department can be contacted on 0161 253 5545 or leaflets can be collected from Bury Town Hall and local housing offices.