TORRIDGE District Council has drawn up plans to stop taking cash payments at its offices from March 31, following a two-month period of consultation.

Customers who still wish to make payments by cash can continue to do so, but only at their local Post Office in the future and not at council offices.

The council said the move marks ‘an ongoing shift in council transactions to more convenient payment options that many people have already embraced in other areas of their lives’.

A council spokesperson added: “It is also designed to streamline services and save money in the long term.

“Over 21,000 people already pay their council tax by direct debit and customers who currently pay by cash are being advised to visit the council’s Bridge Buildings office as soon as possible to ask about setting up a direct debit. Staff will be on hand to explain the process and help with any queries.”

Lead member for customer services Cllr David Hurley said: “The move towards fewer cash transactions and achieving further costs savings has been at the forefront of the Torridge Transformation Programme for some time.

“With the closure of the Torrington Area office, reduced hours at Holsworthy Area office and the planned single reception point for Bideford at Riverbank House later in 2016, the time is right to start the process of alerting customers to these future arrangements.

“Regular announcements will hopefully give customers plenty of time to consider changing their payment methods whilst also ensuring that cash payments at local post offices remain an option for those that need this.”