TAX payers can take advantage of new technology to pay their council bills round the clock.

The local authority has set up an automated telephone system to help residents settle their council tax, housing rents and invoices.

Users should dial 253 7919 and follow the instructions, and use the telephone keypad to enter details. At the end a receipt number is issued and people can have the instructions repeated by pressing the # key.

Residents can also use a new secure web server, to be found on the council's www.bury.gov.uk website. Select PAYMENTS and click on the link to the Internet payments page. Again, a receipt is issued which can either be printed off or emailed to the payer.

Councillor Wayne Campbell, finance spokesman, said: "The systems will be particularly of use to people with disabilities or mobility difficulties, although they should appeal to everyone.

"Rather than going to make payments, or using traditional and slower paper transactions, bills and invoices can quickly be sorted out in the comfort of your own home.

"We are committed to e-government and especially adopting systems and technology which benefit the people of Bury. This is another example of that commitment in action."