BILL-paying services at Darwen Town Hall are being cut after council bosses said there was a lack of demand.

But the move has been criticised by Labour counc-illors, who said they rejected a bid to do something similar when they were in charge of the borough.

The council said that from November 5, Darwen people would no longer be able to make cash payments for things such as council tax on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The change was due to a slump in the numbers of people making cash pay-ments at the town hall and more people choosing to pay by direct debit, credit or debit cards and cheques.

Cheque and credit or debit card payments in person, by post or over the phone can still be made five days a week.

Councillors in Sunnyhurst ward, which includes the town hall, have argued they should be making it convenient for people to pay bills including council tax, parking tickets, business rates and rent to Twin Valley Homes, not inconvenient.

Coun Dave Smith said: "The council tried to bring this in a couple of years ago. It was one of the options on the budget cuts but we rejected it.

"We should be making it convenient for people to pay bills ,not inconvenient. We have always said no to this. They are trying to downgrade Darwen town hall.

"I know they want to encourage direct debits but people should be able to make cash payments five days a week."

Eileen Guy, chair of Darwen Shop and Businesses Association, said: "I can understand closing on a Tuesday for cash collection because it's half-day in Darwen, but not on Thursdays. This is a cost saving exercise in Darwen.

"What if some people get their benefits on Tuesdays and by Wednesday they have spent the money instead of going to the town hall and paying the bills?"

But Coun Michael Lee executive member for resources, said: "We are already sending out information so people are aware of the changes and staff will be on hand to give advice to our customers.

"The changes are purely down to demand.

"For example, hardly any cash payments are made on a Tuesday morning when the halls are open and a very small number on Thursday."

More information is available on 0845 070 1066.