Residents and anyone who calls Sefton Council is being reminded of the main contact centre telephone number.

Earlier this year, the old 0845 number was started to be phased out and replaced by 0345 140 0845.

The change will benefit customers as call costs to the 0345 number from mobiles will be much lower than to the existing 0845 number, and calls from landlines may be free as 03 numbers are classed as inclusive minutes under many landline telephone packages.

From November, all calls made to the 0845 number will be asked to redial 0345 and the option to stay on the line will be removed. The 0845 number will be later discontinued.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: "We have extensively promoted the new number and removed it from any advertising so most people will now know to call us on the 0345 140 0845 number.

"Many people are aware of the 0345 number now and from November, anyone who calls the old number will not be able to stay on the line to be connected to our customer team.

"Please jot the 0345 number down somewhere safe and do remember most of our services can be accessed online so please try visiting www.sefton.gov.uk first."

For further online information about a full range of opportunities and services across Sefton, visit www.seftondirectory.com.