TOWN Hall bosses are hoping for £200,000 to bring all residents up to speed with their plans.

They are confident of being able to provide 100 per cent of all possible e-government services by 2005.

The Government has approved Bury's Implementing Electronic Government (IEG) statement showing how it plans to meet this target. It could lead to a cash grant to upgrade computer systems.

The council wants to make all its information, services and transactions available on the Internet. People could consult their councillors, sign up the study courses, or tap into related sites for services provide by other agencies. Councillor John Byrne, council leader, said: "The council is committed to helping all Bury residents have access to the Internet either at home, at school, at work or in public buildings such as libraries and community centres, or by using special kiosks in supermarkets or on high streets."

He added: "E-government isn't just about bolting on IT to existing ways of delivering services; it is about using modern technology to transform the way we work.

"People tell us that they want more information about the council, that we should make greater use of our web-site to allow people to communicate with us, and that we should make ourselves available outside normal office hours.

"We have been listening. Our IEG statement sets out how we intend to do this and we are delighted that our vision has been given a vote of confidence by the Government."