ACCESS to information on the borough council will be made easier for residents from today.

As the Freedom of Information Act 2000 comes force, Rossendale Council has produced a publication to let people know the information the authority makes public, the form it is published in, where it can be obtained from and whether there is a charge.

Mark Weston, head of legal services and democratic services, is responsible for the scheme.

He said it would bring together various types of information, allowing people to identify what they wanted in an easier to understand way, saving time and effort.

He added: "The purpose of the publication scheme is to make sure a significant amount of information is available without the need for specific request."

Information available includes: an A to Z of services, employment details, harassment and sickness absence policies and financial services.

There will also be details about refuse collection, environmental health matters, licensing issues, highways matters, planning details and housing and legal services.

The information will be available on the council's website www.rossendale.gov.uk or residents can request it in writing.

Most of it will be free but there will be a charge for certain services.