PAY your council tax on time or risk being charged an extra £70 - that's the message from Burnley Council.

They are reminding residents the first instalment of this year's payment is due on April 16 and if it is not received, the council will issue reminder notices.

It is the first step to enforcing the debt and if they issue a court summons, those refusing to pay will get £70 slapped on the bill.

Michael Frazer, local taxation manager for Burnley Council, said punctual payments would be keep costs down and could be reflected in future charges. Anybody experiencing payment difficulties should contact the council.

He added: "If everybody paid on time we would save a lot of money. We are always prepared to listen to people. If they contact us then we will try and sort something out."

Payments can be made between 9am and 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and between 10am and 5pm on Wednesday at the council's Parker Lane office, or at Padiham Town Hall, in Burnley Road, between 9am and 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Direct Debit payments are also accepted giving residents a choice of payment dates.