PEOPLE across Northumberland are being encouraged to “save time and do it online” when it comes to accessing council services.

The county council has launched the new campaign to encourage people to go online to report problems, apply for services, pay bills or access library information.

Council bosses say it is cheaper, faster and easier to use the website at www.northumberland.gov.uk than visiting or telephoning customer service centres. They say going online, either at home or on the move via a smartphone, eliminates having to queue in an office or wait on the telephone.

Problems such as faulty street lights, missed bins collections and potholes can also be reported conveniently and efficiently. Newly redeveloped county council web pages are now online, such as council tax, pest control and libraries.

Kate Roe, deputy chief executive, said: “As a council we are continually looking at ways to transform services so that they can be accessed easily by our customers. By doing more online, residents can decide on a time that best suits their lifestyle.”

Anyone who doesn’t have access to a home computer can visit their local library.