Council cash offices in Tendring to close (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Council cash offices in Tendring to close

4:30pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News

COUNCIL cash offices in Tendring are set to close following the launch of a new bill paying system.

The initiative has seen barcodes added to people’s bills so they can make payments at PayPoint outlets and Post Offices, rather than the council’s offices.

Since it was introduced at more than 100 outlets last month, more than 2,700 payment transactions totalling over £260,000 have been paid using the new system.

Tendring Council said the scheme has been highly successful and it has now decided to close its four cash offices and extend the new service to more outlets.

Giles Watling, cabinet member for benefits and revenues, said the new system is more convenient for customers, will help to boost local trade and will help the council save money.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of the scheme since the launch in August and the level of use by customers,” he said.

“There will be an enormous rise in the number of places people will be able to make their payments and with longer hours to do so.

“Up until now there have only been four cash offices across the whole of Tendring and people in rural areas have therefore been disadvantaged.

“Local shops and businesses will also see their trade boosted by the increased footfall of people making payments at their premises.”

The offices are based in council buildings and will now be used for other council work.

The cash offices in Frinton and Weeley will shut on October 18 and the Clacton and Harwich offices will close on October 19.