COUNCIL house tenants will soon be able to pay their rent with a special payment card being introduced next month.

Plastic Rent Payment Cards will be issued over the coming weeks for those tenants who are not currently using Direct Debit or Standing Order. It will come with a leaflet explaining the card and how to use it.

More than 100 local outlets throughout the County Borough, including post offices, convenience stores and garages, will accept rent payments.

The cards have been introduced to make savings and offer more choice for tenants to pay their rent.

Wherever the PayPoint sign and logo are displayed, you will be able to pay your rent. You will also be able to pay at existing estate offices and at the cash office at Lambpit Street.

Chief Housing Officer Andy Lewis said: 'We believe the introduction of the Rent Payment Card will improve payment opportunities for tenants.

'Because of the decision to close some of the estate offices, the council had to think of an innovative way for tenants in those areas to pay their rent.

Tenants are reminded that from Friday, April 1, the council will no longer collect water and sewerage charges with the rent. These will be billed directly by Dee Valley Water. Council Tax payments can either be made weekly by bringing in the Council Tax bill, or in areas where estate offices are closing, tenants will be offered the choice of a separate payment card. Other ways to pay your rent or Council Tax include Direct Debit, internet payments, telephone payments or direct payment by debit or credit card. Telephone payments can be made on 01978 292059.