RESIDENTS will find it easier to pay their council bills in a tie-up between the local authority and shops.

The council has signed up to the national PayPoint scheme, allowing people to pay rent, council tax and other bills at any retail outlet displaying the PayPoint logo.

There are 17 stores in the borough taking part: Peel Brow Mini Market, Ramsbottom; Co-op, Vernon Road, Greenmount; Co-op, Market Street, Tottington; Co-op, Mile Lane, Bury; B & S Preston, Bolton Road, Bury; Co-op, Ainsworth Road, Bury; Supercigs, Princess Parade, Bury; Hornby Street News, Hornby Street, Bury; Co-op, Walmersley Road, Bury; The Top Shop, Rochdale Old Road, Bury; Co-op, Parkhills Road, Bury; Prestwich Wines, Bury Old Road, Prestwich; Lancelotts News, Stand Lane, Radcliffe; Londis, Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe; Alan News & Grocers, Victoria Square, Whitefield; Co-op, Fountain Place, Whitefield; and Co-op, Albert Place, Whitefield.

Councillor Wayne Campbell, executive member for resource, said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to make payments and contact us, and to ensure that they are treated with clarity, patience, fairness and friendliness."

For more information, telephone 0161 253 5067 or e-mail cashiers@bury.gov.uk.

Bury Council offices will be closed on December 25 and 26, and again on January 1 and 2.