Council launches pay scheme to support local post offices

Herefordshire Council is encouraging people to support their local post offices and village shops by expanding the council's bill paying service.

Nearly 80 post offices and 50 village shops with pay zone outlets are able to accept council tax payments, and this will soon also include other types of payment, like general invoices, business rates, or payments for services like day care.

It means people will not have to travel to Hereford or the market town Info Shops to pay their council bills. Many village outlets open later and at weekends, which makes for a more convenient service.

"The move will also cut down on travelling time and costs and help make the county a greener place", commented Mike Toney, the council's head of benefit and exchequer services.

The council is also supporting owners of post offices and village shops with master classes on boosting business skills. Working with the Rural Shops Alliance, a national trade association representing over 7,000 independent village shops across England, the council sets up information events to show how the latest marketing techniques can help guarantee their survival.

Owners of village shops requiring more information should contact Anthony Bush, parish and rural services officer at Herefordshire Council, on 01432 260611.