COLCHESTER Council says taxpayers will benefit after spending £37,530 on updating its website.

The colchester.gov.uk address has been overhauled in a bid to get more people to use it.

Council staff at its customer service centre, at Angel Court, in High Street, are seeing 250 more visitors a month because of the recession.

In addition, they are taking an extra 1,000 calls, compared with last year.

The council says tests show an average online visit costs taxpayers 27p, while a phone call costs £3.22 and a face-to-face visit is £6.56.

Martin Hunt, councillor responsible for communications, said: “The old site was difficult to navigate and some residents complained they found it difficult to find what they were looking for.

“This investment will save money as we hope more people will contact us online.”

The new website is designed to give users immediate access to major service areas.

Council tax, rent, business rates or setting up direct debits can all now be handled.