A NEW high-tech finance system is set to be installed at Rossendale Council, giving residents access to their town hall accounts 24 hours a day.

New software to put the customer first will be installed next month at the council and, in the short term, will mean improved accuracy in processing benefits claims and in dealing with council tax-payers' correspondence.

In the long-term, the system will allow members of the public to view their town hall accounts and even download benefits application forms around the clock.

Cynthia Ruddick, benefits manager, said: "The system will mean we make fewer mistakes and that will be to everyone's advantage.

"Getting it right first time is part of the council's efforts to put the customer first.

"Smoothing the process is worth it in its own right, but we must also prepare for the new Pension Credit later this year."

training of staff has already started and managers will be in work to do extra training the weekend before the changeover takes place on July 7 and 8.

The council tax, business rates and benefits sections will close to the general public over the two days while staff familiarise themselves with the new system.

Anyone experiencing problems with delays in payment of rent should contact the benefits section on 01706 244556 from July 9.

Cynthia added: "We will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and ask for the public's understanding. Any problems should be minimal and the effort will pay off for everyone in the end."