TOWN hall workers will take a step into the 21st century with the introduction of a new video link-up system for Halliwell residents.

The service means that customers calling into the Halliwell Action Team offices in Blackburn Road will have a direct video link with the person answering their queries at the Town Hall.

Bolton Council, Bolton City Challenge and private sector partners ICL CFM have joined with video equipment providers P and P to offer the trial service.

It is part of the City Challenge One Stop Shop Project and is being sponsored by Mercury Communications.

The system is part of the council's policy to bring as many services as possible in the heart of the community and is aimed at helping all residents - but particularly and the elderly, disabled, families with children and the Asian community.

The video link will be introduced on a trial basis for a period of two or three months, after which the success will be reviewed with the possibility of extending the service throughout the metropolitan borough.

Council Leader Cllr Bob Howarth, who is also chairman of Bolton City Challenge, said the new technology should help the council improve its services.

He said: "If this service proves successful it would be a great aid to delivering services locally.

"The video link should improve the service offered via the telephone as the customer can actually see the officer who is helping them."

Philip Wilson, of ICL CFM, who already provide the council's information technology services, said: "Our participation in this trial is another example of ICL CFM's partnerships delivering innovative technological solutions to our customers both in public and private sectors."

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