FENLAND District Council will send Reminder Notices on Monday to anyone who hasn't paid their first new Council Tax payment, which was due on April 1.

DISTRACTED by Easter and the school holidays, it's easy for people to forget that their first new Council Tax payment was due on April 1.

At the end of next Monday (April 19), the council will be sending Reminder Notices to anyone who hasn't paid. Ultimately, people could end up getting a court summons (and be charged extra costs) if they fail to pay.

Paying can be very simple. The best way is to set up a Direct Debit. Just call the council on 01354 654321 and regular, automatic payments can be set up over the phone, thus avoiding the need for any reminders. Direct Debit also enables people to pay on various different dates - either the 1st, 10th or 20th of each month.

Payments can also be made in the following ways:

• In person at a Fenland @ your service shop in Wisbech, March, Whittlesey or Chatteris. The shops' cash offices are open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 11.30am.

• Over the telephone on 01354 654321 during normal office hours, including Saturday 9am-12 noon

• By Debit Card on the internet at .

The council stresses that payments for this month made over the telephone or via the internet need to be made today (Friday, April 16) for them to reach the council's account in time.

It fully understands that some people have problems paying and urges them to get in touch immediately. The sooner contact is made, the sooner help can be given.

Some people qualify for Council Tax Benefit. This can help people on low incomes to reduce their bill and in certain cases, pay nothing at all. Phone the council on 01354 654321 to find out more.