CHORLEY taxpayers have been praised by the council which is happy to do business with them.

For the borough council has topped the tax collecting league of Lancashire for its business rates.

Figures published by the Department of the Environment show that the local authority received a staggering 98 per cent of the money owed for 1996-97.

And eager council tax payers coughed up 95 per cent of their cash during the same period.

Council leader John Wilson applauded the honesty of local businessmen and residents - but warned that non-payers would be rigorously pursued.

He said: "Care must be exercised in using any statistics, as situations do change over time.

"However, we are really pleased with these new figures which would strongly suggest that the vast majority of Chorley businesses and people pay their local taxes on time."

Coun Wilson added: "We thank all those who have co-operated so well and I would also like to give staff who have worked so hard to achieve these figures a well deserved acknowledgement for their efforts.

"We are aware though that there is no room for complacency and would, even now, re-state our intention to pursue those who still have not paid in order to collect the outstanding amounts.

"We have worked hard to ensure prompt payment which helps to keep costs down for everyone in Chorley. That will continue."

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