A COUNCIL cash office is set to close officially from next Monday.

Plans to close the Church Hill payment office in Walthamstow were announced earlier this year amid fears residents could be left unable to pay bills.

Members of public sector union Unison said those without internet access would have difficulties after it was suggested paying online could be an alternative to using the office.

Union members feared elderly, disabled and vulnerable people would suffer as it could be difficult to get to other offices by public transport.

Concerns were also raised by those wishing to pay cash as three other payment points were also threatened with closure.

The authority has said the closure is aimed at “making it easier and more convenient to pay council bills, such as Council Tax and Housing Rent, by giving more options and locations to pay that are closer to home.”

The Church Hill office is now operating on reduced hours and is only open from 9am to 1pm.

Residents wishing to pay bills by cash have been advised to visit PayPoints or post offices using the council’s OneCard.

The OneCard can be obtained by visiting the Church Hill office before its closure or at any Waltham Forest Direct (WFD) shop.

To pay by debit or credit card, residents can visit WFD shops at various locations around the borough.